Biometra T3000 Thermocycler From Labrepco

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a common laboratory technique that requires a reliable thermocycler. Since most PCR reactions last longer than 1 hour, having more than one thermocycler is an added advantage in any laboratory that performs multiple PCR reactions on a daily basis. The T3000 thermocycler from Biometra utilizes a triple block technology to provide 3 independent thermocyclers in one instrument. The ability to perform 3 separate reactions at one time with an instrument that has a small footprint saves time and precious bench space. This is one of the major reasons this triple head thermocycler from Biometra is worth considering.

The T3000 thermocycler is available in 3 different block versions to choose from including: (1) blocks for 20 0.5 ml tubes, (2) blocks for 48 0.2 ml tubes, a 48 well microplate, or 6 8-well strips, and (3) combination blocks for 18 0.5 ml tubes and 48 0.2 ml tubes, 48-well microplate, or 6 8-well strips.

This machine offers easy programming that is self-explanatory. A high-brightness, CFL backlight, graphical LCD with 4 soft keys below the display add to the ease of programming. Programs can be stored in 10 individual subdirectories for easy retrieval. The total capacity of the thermocycler is 1500 program steps, equivalent to 250 average programs. The manual for the thermocycler is easy to understand and will help with any question you might have. Programming the time settings was a bit confusing at first because the convention for all Biometra cyclers is “hours • minutes • seconds.” For example, if you enter a number without a “•”; the value is interpreted as seconds. In order to program minutes, a “•” is inserted after the number of minutes desired, and to enter hours “••” is entered after the number. This is all explained nicely in the manual provided with the thermocycler.

The thermocycler from Biometra has a temperature range of -3°C to 99.9°C with a lid temperature range of 30°C to 99°C. The heated lid contains “smart lid technology” with an automatic pressure control. In order to achieve optimum pressure on the tubes the heated lid is adjusted for height. Since the heated lid is optimized for a fully loaded block, to avoid damage to tubes due to excessive pressure, it is advised to load dummy tubes in the four corners of the block if those wells are not being used. Once all the tubes are loaded, the wheel on the lid is turned clockwise until a clicking noise is heard. At this height, the optimum pressure is achieved and if the wheel is turned more, the pressure will not increase. This heated lid enables close contact between lid and tubes without excessive pressure while maintaining excellent temperature uniformity.

My laboratory has utilized the T3000 thermocycler for PCR applications for almost 2 years with no problem. One quirk with this machine is that while the lid is pre-heating to the desired temperature, the block is held constant at 25°C. The lid takes a considerable time to heat up before the program begins so we typically preheat our lid to 94°C; this takes approximately 2 minutes before the program begins. We learned to get around this problem by starting the program as normal, but then we press “pause”. Once paused, the lid continues to preheat, but the program does not begin until you press “continue”. Once the tubes are ready to be added to the block, the machine is ready to go without having to wait at room temperature while the lid heats up.

A feature of this machine my lab particularly likes is the “info” button which calculates the run time left in a block so you know exactly how much time is left until completion. Overall, this thermocycler has been beneficial, saving time especially when multiple PCR reactions need to be completed and/or when fellow lab workers also need to use the machine. Even though this is a standard thermocycler without the ability to do gradient temperatures and the ramping of temperatures is not blinding fast, I think it is an excellent instrument for any laboratory.