Bio-Rad CFX Real-time PCR systems. Two Touch PCR systems (on the left) and an older PCR system on the right. (Pictures taken by Saku Mattila.)

Name and Model (Year of Manufacture / Installation)

Bio-Rad CFX96 Touch Real-Time PCR system (2011/2011), 2 instruments
Bio-Rad CFX96 Real-Time PCR system (2008/2008), 1 instrument

General Information

CFX96 real-time PCR (PCR =polymerase chain reaction) detection system. Three separate systems.

Suomeksi: DNA analysointilaitteisto.

Key Specifications  and Features      

Thermal Cycler

Chassis: C1000 Touch / C1000 (older model)
Maximum ramp rate: 5 °C/sec
Average ramp rate: 3.3 °C/sec
Heating and cooling method: Peltier
Lid: Heats up to 105 °C
Temperature range: 0-100 °C
Temperature accuracy: ± 0.2 °C of programmed target at 90 °C
Temperature uniformity: ± 0.4 °C well-to-well within 10 seconds of arrival at 90 °C

Gradient

• Operational range: 30-100 °C
• Programmable span: 1-24 °C

Optical Detection

• Optical system: Excitation: 6 filtered LED’s, Detection: 6 filtered photodiodes
• Range of excitation/emission wavelengths: 450-730 nm
• Sensitivity: Detects 1 copy of target sequence in human genomic DNA
• Dynamic range: 10 orders of magnitude

Scan time

• All channels: 12 sec
• Single channel fast scan: 3 sec

System

• PCR Manager software
• Multiplex analysis: Up to 5 targets per well
• Sample capacity: 96 wells
• Sample size: 1-50 μl (10-25 μl recommended)

Data analysis modes

• PCR quantification with standard curve
• Melt curve analysis
• Gene expression analysis by relative quantity or normalized expression with multiple reference genes and individual reaction efficiencies
• Allelic discrimination
• End-point analysis

The screen of the Touch PCR instument. (Picture: Saku Mattila.)

Other features

• Systems are attached to a computer. With the computer the user can operate all instruments. (maximum limit: up to 4 instruments, currently 3 instruments exist)
• Data from the CFX Manager software is easily exported to general programs (Excel, Word, Powerpoint).
• Each CFX instrument can be controlled separately by using the touch screen of the instrument (in older model by pressing the buttons in the front panel).