Applied Biosystems GeneAmp PCR System 9600, User Manual

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4-6
An Overview of PCR Programs and Methods
A program is a set of instructions in which you specify how the
instrument should heat and cool your samples for PCR. Three
types of programs are stored in the instrument software HOLD,
CYCL, and AUTO. You can view each program by scrolling
through a series of displays on the front panel screen
.
Each program contains default parameters, which you can
change as necessary to customize the program. Think of a
program as similar to a form, which you can fill out with your
thermal cycling instructions.
The three types of programs are described below.
♦
A HOLD program consists of a single temperature held for a
specific time interval or for an extended (e.g., overnight)
period.
♦
A CYCL (Cycle) program comprises a repeated pattern of
temperature ramp and hold segments for PCR cycling.
♦
In an AUTO program, a more versatile form of CYCL
program, the setpoint time, and/or temperature can be
automatically incremented or decremented a fixed amount
every cycle.
Linking Programs in a PCR Method
You may also create a Method, which links together up to 17
programs. For example, a method could include a HOLD file
used for pre-PCR incubation, followed by a three-temperature
CYCL program, followed by a final HOLD program for post-PCR
incubation.
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