Operation
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4-11
Caution:
If you use oil in the block, use only mineral oil.
Never use silicone oil.
It can damage the Alpha unit.
One exception to this recommendation involves the use of volatile radioactive
35
S
nucleotides. A small amount of oil in the block can help prevent escape of these
compounds. See Appendix 4-B of this chapter for important information regarding
safe use of these compounds in polypropylene tubes and polypropylene and poly-
carbonate microplates. A second exception involves the use of thick-wall 0.5 ml
tubes. Certain brands of these tubes fit poorly in the block, in which case, oil may
somewhat improve thermal contact. Whenever possible, use high-quality thin-wall
tubes intended for thermal cycling (see Appendix 4-A of this chapter for a tube and
plate selection chart).
