Abstract: The invention relates to methods for preparing and performing quantitative PCR analyses, a new sealing device and a new use. According to the invention, a sample vessel containing the samples to be analyzed is sealed by placing a planar sealing device on the vessel to cover the samples and applying pressure on the sealing device in order to deform the sealing device so as to form a light-refracting geometry individually for the samples to be analyzed. The invention offers a convenient way of sealing the vessel and forming analysis-improving optical lenses over the samples simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel sample tube and a method of manufacturing a such a sample tube. According to the method an oversized mold cavity is formed with an opposing pair of mold members of an injection molding machine, the mold members being movable relative to each other and between which mold members the sample tube is formed. A volume of resin exceeding the prescribed volume of the sample tube is injected into the cavity and force is applied to said mold members in order to reduce the volume of said mold cavity for displacing molten polymer in the cavity and for compressing the polymer to form said sample tube. By means of the invention, sample tubes and vessels having ultra thin walls can be manufactured.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel sample tube and a method of manufacturing a such a sample tube. According to the method an oversized mould cavity is formed with an opposing pair of mould members of an injection moulding machine, the mould members being movable relative to each other and between which mould members the sample tube is formed. A volume of resin exceeding the prescribed volume of the sample tube is injected into the cavity and force is applied to said mould members in order to reduce the volume of said mould cavity for displacing molten polymer in the cavity and for compressing the polymer to form said sample tube. By means of the invention, sample tubes and vessels having ultra thin walls can be manufactured.

Abstract: Vessels used to contain reaction mixtures and that allow for accurate optical or visual detection are described. Vessels that are an integrated tube- and cap assembly connected via one or more hinge straps or devices to other vessels or caps and/or tubes and caps with different light transmitting properties are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for preparing and performing quantitative PCR analyses, a new sealing device and a new use. According to the invention, a sample vessel containing the samples to be analyzed is sealed by placing a planar sealing device on the vessel to cover the samples and applying pressure on the sealing device in order to deform the sealing device so as to form a light-refracting geometry individually for the samples to be analyzed. The invention offers a convenient way of sealing the vessel and forming analysis-improving optical lenses over the samples simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention relates to sealing device for microplates, a method of sealing and a novel use. The sealing device is used for isolating the interior of a biological reaction vessel from the exterior of the reaction vessel and comprises a generally planar sealing layer intimately attachable to the vessel by heating so as to cover an open end of the vessel. According to the invention, the sealing layer is formed of elastomeric material capable of forming a heat-actuated bond to the vessel at an elevated temperature achievable solely by the heated platen of a thermal cycling apparatus operating at normal thermal cycling protocol operating temperatures and placed in contact with the sealing device. The invention provides a simplified device and method for sealing microplates effectively.