Abstract: A method and apparatus for the mixing of a solution and reagents for various reactions and/or testing having a closed cartridge reaction well, a magnetically responsive bead within the well having a chemically inert coating. A heat source then heats the contents to a target temperature while oscillating magnetic fields move the bead within the well in order to mix the contents and make the contents of the reaction well homogeneous.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the mixing of a solution and reagents for PCR reactions having a closed cartridge reaction well, a magnetically responsive bead within the well having an optically inert coating and a secondary chemically inert coating. A heat source then heats the contents to a target temperature while oscillating magnetic fields move the bead within the well in order to mix the contents and make the contents of the reaction well homogeneous.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for amplification of DNA are provided that use sonic energy in place of conventional thermocyclers. In one embodiment, sonic energy is applied to a PCR cocktail to effect dissociation of double stranded DNA into single strands of DNA. A quiescence stage, where no sonic energy is applied, results in amplification of DNA. Repetition of the cycles of application of sonic energy and cessation of application of sonic energy results in DNA amplification.

Abstract: Apparatus for optimizing DNA amplification are provided. A DNA cycler in accordance with the invention preferably includes a detector capable of measuring a parameter of at least one stage of DNA amplification that changes as the reaction of said stage approaches completion. It is presently preferred that fluorescence be used as such parameter. A microprocessor may be used to make comparisons of the value of the parameter over time, particularly as the reaction nears completion. A controller is used to terminate the current stage and progress to the next stage of DNA amplification when the reaction of the current stage has reached a desired state of completion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for optimizing DNA amplification are provided. The apparatus of the invention includes a DNA amplification cycler and a detector capable of measuring a parameter of at least one stage of DNA amplification that changes as the reaction of said stage approaches completion. It is presently preferred that fluorescence be used as such parameter. A microprocessor may be used to make comparisons of the value of the parameter over time, particularly as the reaction nears completion. A controller is used to terminate the current stage and progress to the next stage of DNA amplification when the reaction of the current stage has reached a desired state of completion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for exciting and detecting fluorescence in samples are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sample holder for holding a plurality of samples is provided together with an optical manifold having an excitation source, a photo receiver, or both, for each of the plurality of samples. In another embodiment, the optical manifold contains only the excitation source or a photo receiver, and the other is associated with the sample holder. This system permits for rapid excitation and measurement of fluorescence without the use of moving parts and without any opto-mechanical or electronic disturbance. It exhibits an exceptional signal to noise ratio, which permits it to differentiate between very low level differences in fluorescence.

Abstract: A thermocycler is provided, that in one embodiment has separate heat exchangers for each thermocycler target temperature, and a cold boost heat exchanger and a hot boost heat exchanger. Fluid conduit is used to circulate fluid through the appropriate heat exchanger and through a sample holder containing at least one sample. Each heat exchanger has sufficiently high thermal mass to be susceptible to being adjusted to and maintained at a constant temperature, but the remaining components of the heat exchanger are preferably of low thermal mass so as to improve efficiency of the system. A small volume of circulating fluid is preferably used. In use, the temperature of the samples is increased or decreased rapidly by first passing the circulating fluid to the hot boost or cold boost heat exchanger, followed by passing the circulating fluid to the appropriate target temperature heat exchanger. A controller is used to control the heating, cooling, and duration of the various aspects of a thermocycler cycle.