The GeneAmp 9700 is a very flexible thermal cycler, suitable for all kinds of PCR-based applications. The unit is quite compact (much smaller than its predecessor, the GeneAmp 9600), but requires adequate ventilation requiring some additional space. The system is composed of two parts a Base Module (the actual thermal cycler with a heating/cooling device and control electronics) and a Sample Block Module, which incorporates a heated cover and a sample plate into the machine. Sample plates come in 96 x 0.2 ml and 60 x 0.5ml formats and are available in standard aluminium or high performace gold-plated silver blocks. The GeneAmp 9700 is quite powerful and fast, capable of obtaining a 5
°C/sec heating/cooling rate with the gold-plated blocks. In comparing the 9700 model to the 9600 (or even the 2400), the speed increase obvious and much appreciated.
Another great advance found in the 9700 is the new interface, derived from the one implemented in the 2400 model, based on a keypad and a blue backlighted LCD screen. This is a great improvement from the 9600 which was quite complicated to use and program. The new control panel makes the instrument very user friendly; it is much easier to operate and every setting is clearly indicated on the LED screen. Moreover, methods can be saved on removable RAM cards and stored or transferred to other devices.
I mainly choose the GeneAmp 9700 to accomplish diagnostic PCRs because I make several viral and bacterial identifications everyday. In this regard, the system has proven very reliable and has provided optimal performances. It enabled me to achieve excellent and highly reproducible research results for standard PCR, nested PCR and cycle sequencing.
The high rate of variation of the sample block temperature is one of the features I particularly like in the 9700; it allows faster reactions and better results by reducing the formation of aspecific products. The programming interface is very simple and straightforward. Just a few key presses enable you to set-up an entire reaction cycle, store it for later use or modify an existing protocol. In addition, the user management allows for multiple protected users requiring a PIN number and thus preventing the risk of accidental overwriting of data. A heated cover (prevents sample condensation), memory expansibility, serial printer connection and small size complete this great PCR system.
A possible drawback of the GeneAmp 9700 could be the need for lateral ventilation that hinder from optimising bench space by stacking more devices side by side. In addition two different sample blocks are required to use 200 or 500 ul tubes, with a significant price increase and no PC nor Mac connection is available.
In summary, even with these few drawbacks, I can say that the GeneAmp PCR System 9700 is an excellent thermal cycler, with outstanding performances and a great interface. I would highly recommend it to everyone who needs an excellent and reliable PCR machine.
Dr. Andrea Galli
University of Milan, Italy