The Veriti™ thermal cycler from Applied Biosystems is specifically designed to meet the needs of labs performing standard PCR along with PCR optimization in the 96-well format. The Veriti is fast-enabled which means that the system has the flexibility to run fast chemistries.
When a gradient thermal cycler is used for PCR optimization, the best response that can be generated is a nonlinear one and temperature characteristics may differ when switching from gradient conditions to isothermal conditions. This means that when a user goes from gradient conditions to isothermal conditions, it is possible that the results may not match the gradient conditions and further optimization might be required. This problem is solved to a great extent by the introduction of innovative VeriFlex™ blocks present in Veriti thermal cycler.
The VeriFlex blocks provid PCR optimization functionality with 6 independently controlled peltiers. By allowing precise temperature control of each zone, the user gains more control over the optimization process. The underlying benefit to the user is that when the user moves from PCR optimization conditions to isothermal conditions, the temperature characteristics remain similar, thus reducing the chance for further optimization when switching to isothermal conditions. Another benefit to having 6 independent zones is that the user can use multiple annealing temperatures in a single run, which means the user can run 6 different assays in same run. The Veriti thermalcycler is also fast-enabled; this means the user can set both standard as well as fast protocols in the same system.
Veriti comes with a 6.5 inch touch screen which provides an easy-to-use viewing area. An intuitive user interface facilitates rapid program creation and execution of even complex protocols including touchdown, time and temperature increments, etc. Around 800 protocols can easily be stored in the instrument memory. This model has an integrated USB slot which can be used to transfer and upload protocols and updates. There is an Ethernet port behind the instrument which can be used to connect and drive up to 11 thermalcyclers creating a mini network. A Tm calculator comes along with the system software which is again a handy tool in finding Tm information.
We have Veriti in our lab and it is used quite frequently. I use it whenever I have to process multiple assays. The Veriti allows me to run 6 different assays in a single run, thus saving a lot of time. I have tried using the fast protocol too; it definitely saves time, but turns out to be a bit costly in terms of price as fast reagents and fast plates are required to run a fast pcr. The Tm calculator provided is also useful; it does give an accurate Tm. Even while optimizing the primers, no further fine-tuning is required as all the optimization is done directly on isothermal conditions and not on a gradient. The lid temperature of the instrument is adjustable and can also be turned off, I use this feature for doing restriction enzyme digestion where there is no need for a heated lid. Also, it becomes a perfect dry bath or an incubator by turning off the lid. Another interesting feature I like about this instrument is its graphical interface; it is so user friendly that there is no need to look into the manual to run this instrument. It just takes four steps to design a new protocol and run the instrument.
After using this feature packed instrument I would say this is definitely a next generation thermal cycler which can do much more than just PCR.