The sensitivity of analysis achievable with PCR has led to the technology being adopted across a range of sectors. For many applications a quantitative result is required, which has driven the development of a range of strategies to determine the amount of starting material in a sample. Approaches such as competitive PCR and limiting dilution analysis have been used as routes to quantification,...

The Eco Real-Time PCR system puts powerful qPCR applications within reach of individual researchers. Large, expensive thermal cyclers that take up an entire workspace are replaced with an affordable, compact system that fits easily on any lab bench (Figure 1). Delivering unsurpassed data quality in less than 40 minutes for 40-cycle runs, the Eco system revolutionizes qPCR accessibility for both...

The use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in molecular diagnostics has increased to the point where it is now accepted as the gold standard for detecting nucleic acids from a number of origins and it has become an essential tool in the research laboratory. Real-time PCR has engendered wider acceptance of the PCR due to its improved rapidity, sensitivity, reproducibility and the reduced ris...

Here we report one of the smallest real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) systems to date with an approximate size of 100 mm × 60 mm × 33 mm. The system is an autonomous unit requiring an external 12 V power supply. Four simultaneous reactions are performed in the form of virtual reaction chambers (VRCs) where a ≈200 nL sample is covered with mineral oil and placed on a glass cover slip. Fas...