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.