QPCR Analysis Apparatus

摘要

An apparatus (1) is for DNA amplification with quantitative measurements. A biological sample is held in a cell (2) for the amplification, the cell (2) defining a single space within which the sample rotates. On one side a copper heater (3) is located to supply heat to the cell (2), and on the other side there is a cooling copper block (4) withdrawing heat from the cell. The locations of the heater (3) and the cooling block (4) generate a natural convection loop internally within the cell (2) without need for active cooling—the block (4) passively cooling by withdrawing heat from the direction of the heater (3). A detector (9, 27) captures readings in real time and a processor (10) generates an S-curve for change of sample emission with time. The S-curve (FIGS. 4 and 5) also includes a thermal cycle number corresponding to the time parameter, so that the S-curve is given in the traditional qPCR intensity vs. cycle number.

主权项

1. An analysis apparatus comprising:
a sample holder configured to hold a sample, a temperature controller for causing a temperature differential across the sample holder to cause free convection cycling of a sample due to the temperature differential, wherein the temperature controller comprises a heater in contact with one wall of the sample holder, a detector for detecting radiation emission from a sample, and a processor for analysing in real time a sample in the sample holder as it cycles due to free convection caused by the temperature differential, and generating analysis results.