Abstract: A holder for a microtitreplate or an array of separate test tubes comprising a first panel (1) provided with a recess (2) for receiving each well (3) of the microtitreplate or test tubes and a second panel (7), which together with the first panel (1) and three side walls (5) form an inner space (8). The fourth side (9) comprises an inlet (10) for gas or liquid, whereby the gas or liquid entering the inner space (8) via the inlet (10) leaves the inner space (8) via said recesses (2), along the outside of the wells (3). A method for cooling or heating samples contained in wells (3) of a microtitreplate or an array of separate test tubes by inserting the microtitreplate or array of separate test tubes into such a holder and letting gas or liquid enter said inner space (8).

Abstract: The efficient temperation of a sample is achieved when the sample is subjected to centrifugation simultaneously wish heating and optionally also cooling. This is achieved in a device comprising at least a rotor (1) for holding reaction vessels (2), a motor (3), connected to the rotor, a processor (4) for controlling the speed of the rotor, and elements (5 and 6) for heating and cooling the contents of the reaction vessels, wherein the elements (6) for heating cover the apices of the reaction vessels for at least part of the rotational path of the vessels and that the elements for heating operate at a temperature significantly higher than the meeting temperature of the reaction vessels. The invention further relates to a method for performing chemical reactions and in particular a method for performing biochemical reactions involving thermocycling, for example PCR-reactions.

Abstract: A reaction vessel includes a receiving portion and a capillary portion. The capillary portion has a first end having an opening in fluid connection with the receiving portion, and a second end closed by a plug portion formed as an integral one-piece member with the capillary portion. The capillary portion is optionally detachable from the receiving portion of the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel simplifies many processes involving small volume chemical reactions, such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) determinations.

Abstract: By arranging reagents needed for a specific reaction in separate distinct chambers in a reagent cartridge and combining several such reagent cartridges in a cassette in a format that matches that of commonly used microtitre plates. e.g. the 96 well format or other standard formats. several drawbacks of well-known procedures can be eliminated.