Path: utzoo!utgpu!watserv1!watmath!uunet!bionet!apple!usc!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!caen!hellgate.utah.edu!linkers.med.utah.edu!linkers!launce From: launce@apollo.med.utah.edu (Launce Gouw) Newsgroups: bionet.molbio.methds-reagnts Subject: Re: PCR Machine Message-ID: Date: 10 Nov 90 01:58:38 GMT References: <9011082255.AA29789@genbank.bio.net> Sender: news@linkers.med.utah.edu (Netnews owner) Organization: University of Utah Lines: 33 In-reply-to: D54%TRANAVM1@PUCC.PRINCETON.EDU's message of 8 Nov 90 13:49:01 GMT There are a number of machines that will accomodate microtitre plates for PCR or other thermal cycling applications. The ones I know of include the Bios, the Grant and the Techne systems. The Bios looks like a microwave oven and uses air convection, the Grant looks (is) a modified waterbath that uses water as its medium for heating/cooling and the Techne has a heating/cooling metal block. All three will also accomodate microfuge tubes. Other labs in our building have tested/used all three, and the verdict seems to point to the Techne. From what I've heard: 1) the Bios air convection just doesn't ramp the sample temperatures up and down quickly or accurately enough, 2) the Grant seems to have problems achieving and maintaining proper temperature levels as well, but 3) the Techne appears to be exemplary. I have heard that it is at least as good, if not better than the industry standard, the P-E Cetus machine, and that the software is flexible and user-friendly. The Techne uses water cooling, and thus needs to be near a source of water. The special heat-resistant 96-well microtitre plates cost $5/each! We hope to purchase a Techne soon for ourselves. Hope this posting helps!! Techne info. # is: 1-800-225-9243 ** DISCLAIMER ** I (and my lab) have nothing to do with any of the aforementioned companies other than as customers (or potential customers). -- *** --- ********************************************************************** / / _____ / /___/ ___/ \@@&&@&@&@@&@@&@&@@/ Plate 'o Shrimp -- $3.99 /_____ /_---- \&@&@&@&@&@&@@&&@/ /____/ launce@apollo.med.utah.edu *** help! help! i'm being repressed!! **we apologise for the previous opinions. those responsible have been sacked** Brought to you by Super Global Mega Corp .com