Abstract: A combination is provided of a reaction vessel and apparatus for processing it. Preferably, the latter features a temperature control device comprising two surfaces to contact a reaction vessel sandwiched between them, a heater element being disposed on one side of one of the surfaces, a cavity being provided at the heater element, and pressure means for delivering cooling gas to the cavity and the heater element and for removing the air after it has cooled the heater element. Most preferably, there is further included means for providing relative movement between the control device and a reaction vessel so sandwiched between the two surfaces.

Abstract: A cuvette and a method of use which prevent nucleic acid amplified by PCR technology from being released to the atmosphere, while still proceeding to a detection step to determine whether or not the nucleic acid is present. Detection reagents are either pre-incorporated into compartments in the cuvette or added after amplification. In the latter case, a check valve prevents amplified nucleic acid from being released. Transfer of liquids between compartments is achieved via the use of flexible compartment walls and an external pressure source, or via pistons that are part of the cuvette and operate on the compartments as a piston within a piston chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring liquid from one chamber to another in successive chambers of a chemical reaction pack comprising a support surface and pressure applicators. Temperature control elements are also provided to heat and cool the liquid contained within the chemical reaction pack.

Abstract: There is disclosed a thermal cycling cuvette constructed with an improved sample fluid thermal time constant. The fluid surface-to-volume ratio, and the cuvette thermal path length and thermal resistance of at least one of the walls that provides a major surface of contact, are selected to provide such a thermal time constant that is no greater than about 10 seconds for a cuvette volume no greater than about 200 .mu.l. Also included in the cuvette are means permitting the introduction and removal of liquid into and from the cuvette. A preferred construction permits ready and substantially complete removal of the liquid.