Biometra TRIO Function and setup
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graphical programming mode. This makes the creation of new programs or editing
existing programs fast and easy.
3.3.4 User-specific quick start function
Many other thermal cyclers offer a so-called "List of latest programs used". In the list of
latest programs used a certain number of PCR programs is collected and offered for
quick start. The list is typically ordered only by date and the user has to search for the
desired program. In contrast the Biometra TRIO software creates a user-specific list
and only the latest programs started by the currently logged-in user are offered for
quick start. Even if a lab member does not use the device for a longer time, the infor-
mation on the latest programs started by this user will not get lost.
For maximum convenience the Biometra TRIO software additionally features a pro-
gram preview. Before the start of a program the protocol steps are summarized in a
clearly arranged table by the program preview tool. The preview therefore provides a
comprehensive overview of the protocol structure without the need to access pro-
gramming screens. The program preview is also available before the quick start of
programs.
3.3.5 Easy programming
Creating new PCR programs takes much time if for each single step all parameters are
set manually. The Biometra TRIO offers two options for easy protocol creation:
1. Pre-installed program templates
2. Protocol wizard
The Biometra TRIO software offers several pre-installed program templates for differ-
ent applications. The program templates provide a general protocol structure and can
be easily adapted for the current experiment.
The protocol wizard offers the comfort to create specific PCR programs by just a few
inputs. The protocol wizard is based on program templates for specific polymerases.
For up to eight different polymerases program templates can be saved in the Biometra
TRIO software and just the annealing temperature, cycle number and product length
has to be filled in to create a specific PCR program. Optionally two-step or three-step
PCR programs can be created by the software. Furthermore the protocol wizard in-
cludes a primer annealing temperature calculator and the calculated T
a
value can be
used for protocol creation.
3.3.6 Temperature Optimisation Step (TOS)
Finding the best primer annealing temperature is crucial for the specificity and effi-
ciency of PCR reactions. Often optimization of experiments is conducted only limited
leading to unspecific byproducts or reduced PCR sensitivity. By using the Biometra
TRIO Temperature Optimisation Step (TOS) function new primer pairs with unknown
annealing temperatures can be tested quickly and optimized in very short time.
The Temperature Optimisation Step (TOS) function makes use of the three sample
blocks and provides three different temperatures for a selected program step. Just set
the temperature for sample block 2 and define the temperature difference (tempera-
ture increment) for block 1 and 3. Since the Biometra TRIO samples blocks work inde-
pendent of each other the maximum programmable temperature difference between
the sample blocks is at ±47.5 °C.
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