Thermal Cycler Temperature Accuracy

Thermal cycler temperature accuracy may be a critical factor in the success or failure of a PCR reaction. Temperature accuracy is particularly important during annealing temperature optimization, which requires both accuracy and consistency in the thermal cycler block. This study compares the accuracy of thermal cycler blocks by taking measurements using precise temperature verification equipment. Temperature accuracy is measured both in isothermal mode, where the entire block is at the same temperature, and in Applied Biosystems™ VeriFlex™ mode or gradient mode, where different sections of the thermal block are set to different temperatures. We compare several currently available thermal cyclers against each other and also against the manufacturers’ published specifications.