System and method for performing multiplex thermal melt analysis

摘要

An apparatus configured to apply thermal energy to the contents of a receptacle to increase the temperature of the contents of the receptacle and to detect an optical signal emitted by the contents of the receptacle as the temperature of the contents is rising, said apparatus comprising: a receptacle holder configured to receive and releasably hold a receptacle; a vessel-receiving thermal assembly including a portion thereof held at a constant elevated temperature relative to ambient temperature and configured to receive a portion of the receptacle and to apply thermal energy to the contents of the receptacle; a receptacle moving mechanism configured to effect relative movement between the receptacle holder and the vessel-receiving thermal assembly to place a portion of the receptacle held by the receptacle holder into the vessel-receiving thermal assembly and to remove the portion of the receptacle from the vessel-receiving thermal assembly; and an optical signal detecting device constructed and arranged to detect optical signals emitted by the contents of a receptacle held within the vessel-receiving thermal assembly while thermal energy is being applied to the contents by the vessel-receiving thermal assembly. 4228721_1 (GHMatters) P93235.AU 7/10413 332 336 330 '~2 332 332 336 334 332 32336 (D336 261 266 264 24262