WHAT IS A PCR THERMAL CYCLER
PCR thermal cyclers optimize sample conditions to empower the amplification of target nucleic acid sequences for qualitative and qualitative analysis. Thermal cyclers are designed to perform two types of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods: endpoint or standard PCR and real-time qPCR.
REAL TIME PCR SYSTEMS
Real time PCR ( or qPCR) Systems provide both a qualitative and quantitative examination of a sample. This system features a sample block, heating/cooling elements and a controller, as well as a light source (a Tungsten lamp) light filter and a light detector. The real-time PCR thermal cycler’s on-board software includes additional functionality to chart the results of the reactions as they occur, assigning amplification curves as CT values to each positive specimen.
STANDARD PCR SYSTEMS
Endpoint, or Standard PCR Systems include a sample block, heating, and cooling elements, and an onboard controller. The heat is transferred between the element and the sample block (containing specimens) through the Peltier effect, ensuring fast ramping and cooling rates and tight temperature tolerances.
ON-BOARD SOFTWARE
The on-board software installed on a standard PCR thermal cycler, includes an output of the reaction protocol, a status indicator defining the current step of the reaction, and an estimated completion time. More advanced standard thermal cyclers include user-defined protocols, password protections, and a temperature optimization wizard.
STANDARD vs REALTIME PCR APPLICATIONS
Standard and real-time PCR are used in a wide variety of applications, including forensics, environmental science, clinical diagnostics (such as COVID testing), cloning, genotyping, mutation detection (for cancer screenings) and paternity testing.
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