Device and Method for Thermal Cycling

Abstract

A thermal cycling device for performing nucleic acid amplification on a plurality of biological samples positioned in a sample well tray. The thermal cycling device includes a sample block assembly, an optical detection system, and a sample well tray holder configured to hold the sample well tray. The sample block assembly is adapted for movement between a first position permitting the translation of the sample well tray into alignment with sample block assembly, and a second position, upward relative to the first position, where the sample block assembly contacts the sample well tray. A method of performing nucleic acid amplification on a plurality of biological samples positioned in a sample well tray in a thermal cycling device is also provided.

1 . A method of performing nucleic acid amplification on a plurality of biological samples positioned in a sample well tray in a thermal cycling device, comprising:
 providing a sample well tray configured for horizontal translation into and out of the thermal cycling device, wherein the sample well tray movement provides for sample access external the thermal cycling device;   providing a translatable sample block assembly within the thermal cycling device, wherein the sample block assembly is adapted to move from a first position permitting the sample well tray movement into the thermal cycling device and over the sample block assembly to a second position engaging the sample tray and permitting thermal cycling;   maintaining the upper portion of the thermal cycling device substantially stationary; and   thermally cycling the device to provide nucleic acid amplification.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second position permitting alignment of the sample well tray with an optical detection system, and detecting the nucleic acid amplification during thermal cycling. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sample well tray is horizontally translated automatically.