Applied Biosystems GeneAmp PCR System 9700 User manual

GeneAmp®PCR System 9700
Base Module
User’s Manual

© Copyright 2001, Applied Biosystems. All rights reserved.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Applied Biosystems assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document.
This document is believed to be complete and accurate at the time of publication. In no event shall Applied Biosystems be liable for incidental, special, multiple, or
consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of this document.
Authorized Thermal Cycler
This GeneAmp®PCR System 9700 Base Unit, Serial No___________, in combination with its immediately attached sample block modules, comprise an Authorized
Thermal Cycler. The purchase price of this Base Unit includes the up-front fee component of a license under United States Patent Nos. 4,683,195, 4,683,202 and
4,965,188, owned by Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., and under corresponding claims in patents outside the United States, owned by F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd,
covering the Polymerase Chain Reaction ("PCR") process to practice the PCR process for internal research and development using this instrument. The running
royalty component of that license may be purchased from Applied Biosystems or obtained by purchasing Authorized Reagents. This instrument is also an Authorized
Thermal Cycler for use with applications licenses available from Applied Biosystems. Its use with Authorized Reagents also provides a limited PCR license in
accordance with the label rights accompanying such reagents. Purchase of this product does not itself convey to the purchaser a complete license or right to perform
the PCR process. Further information on purchasing licenses to practice the PCR process may be obtained by contacting the Director of Licensing at Applied
Biosystems, 850 Lincoln Centre Drive, Foster City, California 94404.
ABI PRISM and its Design, Applied Biosystems, and MicroAmp are registered trademarks of Applera Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and certain other
countries.
ABI, AB (Design), Applera, and BigDye are trademarks of Applera Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and certain other countries.
AmpErase, AmpliTaq, AmpliTaq Gold, EnviroAmp, GeneAmp, and TaqMan are registered trademarks of Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
AppleScript and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.
Printed in Singapore 11/2001
Part Number 4303481 Rev. E

Contents
iii
1 Introduction and Safety
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
About This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
About This Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Instrument Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Before Operating the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Documentation User Attention Words. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Safety Alert Symbols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Chemical Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Chemical Hazard Warning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Chemical Waste Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
About MSDSs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Ordering MSDSs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
About Waste Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Labels and Warnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Instrument Safety Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Instrument Warnings Diagram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Danger of Burns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Electrical Shock Hazard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Fire Hazard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Grounding and Electrical Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Laboratory Environmental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Temperature, Humidity, and Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Pollution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Emission/Immunity Statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Routine Maintenance for Safe Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
2 Product Overview
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
About This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
About the GeneAmp PCR System 9700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
About the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

iv
Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Control Panel Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Using the Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Selecting a Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Entering Numeric Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Transfer or Storage of Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Upgrading the Firmware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
How the 9700 Differs from the GeneAmp PCR System 9600 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
3 Instrument Setup
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
About This Chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Unpacking the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Inspecting the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Additional Part Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Setting Up your Laboratory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Choosing a Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Operating Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
What to Avoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Do Not Block Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Fuse Service Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Input Voltage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Interchangeable Sample Block Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Converting from a Single to Double-Line Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Fuse Part Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Power Entry Module Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Converting Single to Double-line Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Turning On the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Turning On the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Setting Custom Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Displaying the Configuration Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Setting the Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Setting the Date. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Enabling or Disabling a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Turning the Run-Time Beeper On or Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Setting the Pause Time Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Defining the Idle State Setpoint Temperature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Defining the Baud Rate for Your Printer Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Configuring the Contrast and Screen Saver Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

v
Setting the IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Running Instrument Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Viewing the Diagnostic Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Testing the Electrical Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Testing the Display Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Testing the Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Using the TmCalculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
How to Use the TmCalculator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Upgrading the System Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Upgrading Through the Serial Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Downloading Firmware Using Windows 95 or Windows NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Downloading Firmware Using Windows 3.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Upgrading Firmware from a PCMCIA Flash Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Copying Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
How to Copy Methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Connecting and Configuring a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Connecting a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Configuring the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
4 Running PCR Samples
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
About This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Selecting a Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
What Is a Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Predefined Methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Selecting a Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Viewing Method Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Searching for Methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Sorting Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Running a Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Starting a Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
About the Run Time Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Viewing Method Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Pausing a Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Stopping a Run Before It Completes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Reviewing the History of a Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
How to Review the History of a Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
History Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

vi
History File Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
When a Run Completes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
End of Run Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Method Not Stored Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
5 Creating and Editing Methods
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
About This Chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Adding or Changing Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Adding a New User Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Protecting Methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Changing a User Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Deleting a User Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Creating Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
About the Default Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Basic Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Displaying the Create Methods Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Entering Temperature Control Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Defining Pre-PCR Holds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Defining PCR Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Defining Post-PCR Holds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Modifying Cycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Changing Temperature Control Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Modifying Ramp Rates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Inserting Holds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Deleting Holds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Inserting Cycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Inserting Programmed Pauses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Editing Programmed Pauses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Naming and Storing Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Printing a Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Printing a Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Editing or Deleting Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Editing a Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Deleting a Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20

vii
6 Converting Hold Times
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
About This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
About Setting Hold Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2
Hold Time Differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Guidelines for Converting Hold Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3
What to Base the New Hold Times On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Setting Up Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Table of Conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Up Ramp Example. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Setting Down Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Table of Conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Down Ramp Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
7 Routine Maintenance
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
About This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Changing the External Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2
Power Entry Module Diagram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Changing Fuses for Single-Line Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Changing Fuses for Double-Line Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
8 Troubleshooting
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
About This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
If There Is a Power Failure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-2
During a Power Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Display Screen Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Error Messages Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Troubleshooting Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-6
Troubleshooting Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6

viii
A Instrument
Specifications
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
About This Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
In This Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Power Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Electrical Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Control Panel Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-3
Display Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
Sample Temperature Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
Printer Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
Serial Interface Board Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
Cable Part Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
B Supplied Methods
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
About this Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
In This Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
About the Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
AmpliCycle Sequencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
AmpliTaq Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
BigDye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
General PCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
LMS2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
Time Release PCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
Touchdown PCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
XL PCR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
C Contacting Technical Support
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Contacting Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
To Contact Technical Support by E-Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
To Contact Technical Support by Telephone or Fax (North America). . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3
To Contact Technical Support by Telephone or Fax (Outside North America) . . . . . . . C-4
To Reach Technical Support Through the Applied Biosystems Web Site . . . . . . . . . . . C-6
To Obtain Technical Documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6

ix
To Obtain Customer Training Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-7
D Limited Warranty Statement
Index

Introduction and Safety 1-1
Introduction and Safety 1
Overview
About This Chapter This chapter provides information to help you safely operate the GeneAmpâPCR
System 9700.
In This Chapter The following topics are covered in this chapter:
Topics See Page
About This Manual 1-2
Instrument Safety 1-3
Chemical Safety 1-6
GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Labels and Warnings 1-9
Laboratory Environmental Requirements 1-12

1-2 Introduction and Safety
About This Manual
Overview This manual describes how to use the GeneAmp®PCR System 9700. It includes the
following chapters and appendixes:
♦Chapter 1, “Introduction and Safety,” contains safety information.
♦Chapter 2, “Product Overview,” describes the instrument, its components, and
requirements for installation.
♦Chapter 3, “Instrument Setup,” provides information on how to set up the
instrument and place it correctly in the laboratory, how to configure the instrument,
and how to connect and configure a printer.
♦Chapter 4, “Running PCR Samples,” provides information on selecting a method,
starting and stopping a run, reviewing the history of a run, and what to do when
the run is completed.
♦Chapter 5, “Creating and Editing Methods,” describes how to create and edit PCR
methods and how to work with stored methods.
♦Chapter 6, “Converting Hold Times,” providesinformation about setting hold times
for the GeneAmp®PCR System 9700 compared to the DNA Thermal Cycler or
DNA Thermal Cycler 480.
♦Chapter 7, “Routine Maintenance,” provides procedures for routine maintenance
on the instrument.
♦Chapter 8, “Troubleshooting,” lists error messages and suggestions for dealing
with other problems you may encounter.
♦Appendix A, “Instrument Specifications,” describes the dimensions, power, and
electrical specifications of the GeneAmp®PCR System 9700 system, including
the control panel, sample temperature information, and printer specifications.
♦Appendix B, “Supplied Methods,” contains information about the methods that are
supplied with the instrument.
♦Appendix C, “Contacting Technical Support,” explains how to contact Applied
Biosystems’ Technical Support staff.
♦Appendix D, “Limited Warranty Statement,” contains the instrument warranty
statement.

Introduction and Safety 1-3
Instrument Safety
Before Operating the
Instrument
Ensure that everyone involved with the operation of the instrument has:
♦Received instruction in general safety practices for laboratories
♦Received instruction in specific safety practices for the instrument
♦Read and understood all related MSDSs
Avoid using this instrument in a manner not specified by Applied Biosystems.
Although the instrument has been designed to protect the user, this protection can be impaired
if the instrument is used improperly.
Documentation User
Attention Words
Five user attention words appear in the text of all Applied Biosystems user
documentation. Each word implies a particular level of observation or action as
described below.
Note Calls attention to useful information.
IMPORTANT Indicates information that is necessary for proper instrument operation.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury. This signal word is to be limited to the most extreme situations.
CAUTION!
CAUTION!
WARNING
!
DANGER!

1-4 Introduction and Safety
Safety Alert Symbols The following chart is an illustrated glossary of all electrical symbols that are used on
Applied Biosystems instruments. Whenever such symbols appear on instruments,
please observe appropriate safety procedures.
Electrical Symbols
Electrical Safety Testing
Routine safety testing of analytical instruments (e.g., high potential voltage testing)
may be required by various safety agencies.
This symbol indicates the On position of the main power switch.
This symbol indicates the Off position of the main power switch.
This symbol indicates the On/Off position of a push-push main power switch.
This symbol indicates that a terminal may be connected to another
instrument’s signal ground reference. This is not a protected ground
terminal.
This symbol indicates that this is a protective grounding terminal that must
be connected to earth ground before any other electrical connections are
made to the instrument.
A terminal marked with this symbol either receives or delivers alternating
current or voltage.
A terminal marked with this symbol can receive or supply an alternating and
a direct current or voltage.
This symbol indicates the presence of high voltage and warns the user to
proceed with caution.
This symbol alerts you to consult the manual for further information and to
proceed with caution.
Testing should only be carried out by qualified personnel after seeking
advice from the Applied Biosystems Service Department.

Introduction and Safety 1-5
Nonelectrical Symbols
The following is an illustrated glossary of all nonelectrical safety alert symbols found
on Applied Biosystems instruments.
This symbol illustrates a heater hazard. Proceed with caution when working
around these areas to avoid being burned by hot components.
This symbol indicates that a laser is present inside the instrument.

1-6 Introduction and Safety
Chemical Safety
Chemical Hazard
Warning
CHEMICAL HAZARD. Some of the chemicals used with Applied Biosystems
instruments and protocols are potentially hazardous and can cause injury, illness, or death.
♦Read and understand the material safety data sheets (MSDSs) provided by the
chemical manufacturer before you store, handle, or work with any chemicals or
hazardous materials.
♦Minimize contact with chemicals. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment
when handling chemicals (e.g., safety glasses, gloves, or protective clothing). For
additional safety guidelines, consult the MSDS.
♦Minimize the inhalation of chemicals. Do not leave chemical containers open. Use
only with adequate ventilation (e.g., fume hood). For additional safety guidelines,
consult the MSDS.
♦Check regularly for chemical leaks or spills. If a leak or spill occurs, follow the
manufacturer’s cleanup procedures as recommended on the MSDS.
♦Comply with all local, state/provincial, or national laws and regulations related to
chemical storage, handling, and disposal.
Chemical Waste
Hazard Warning
CHEMICAL WASTE HAZARD. Wastes produced by Applied Biosystems
instruments are potentially hazardous and can cause injury, illness, or death.
♦Read and understand the material safety data sheets (MSDSs) provided by the
manufacturers of the chemicals in the waste container before you store, handle,
or dispose of chemical waste.
♦Handle chemical wastes in a fume hood.
♦Minimize contact with chemicals. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment
when handling chemicals (e.g., safety glasses, gloves, or protective clothing). For
additional safety guidelines, consult the MSDS.
♦Minimize the inhalation of chemicals. Do not leave chemical containers open. Use
only with adequate ventilation (e.g., fume hood). For additional safety guidelines,
consult the MSDS.
♦After emptying the waste container, seal it with the cap provided.
♦Dispose of the contents of the waste tray and waste bottle in accordance with
good laboratory practices and local, state/provincial, or national environmental
and health regulations.
WARNING
!
WARNING
!

Introduction and Safety 1-7
About MSDSs Some of the chemicals used with this instrument may be listed as hazardous by their
manufacturer. When hazards exist, warnings are prominently displayed on the labels
of all chemicals.
Chemical manufacturers supply a current MSDS before or with shipments of
hazardous chemicals to new customers and with the first shipment of a hazardous
chemical after an MSDS update. MSDSs provide you with the safety information you
need to store, handle, transport and dispose of the chemicals safely.
We strongly recommend that you replace the appropriate MSDS in your files each
time you receive a new MSDS packaged with a hazardous chemical.
CHEMICAL HAZARD. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the MSDSs
before using reagents or solvents.
Ordering MSDSs You can order free additional copies of MSDSs for chemicals manufactured or
distributed by Applied Biosystems using the contact information below.
For chemicals not manufactured or distributed by Applied Biosystems, call the
chemical manufacturer.
WARNING
!
To order documents by automated telephone service:
1From the U.S. or Canada, dial 1.800.487.6809, or from outside the U.S. and Canada,
dial 1.858.712.0317.
2Follow the voice instructions to order documents (for delivery by fax).
Note There is a limit of five documents per fax request.
To order documents by telephone:
In the U.S. Dial 1.800.345.5224, and press 1.
In Canada
♦To order in English, dial 1.800.668.6913 and press 1, then 2, then 1
♦To order in French, dial 1.800.668.6913 and press 2, then 2, then 1
From any other
country See the specific region under “To Contact Technical Support by Telephone or Fax (Outside North America)” .
To view, download, or order documents through the Applied Biosystems web site:
Step Action
1Go to http://www.appliedbiosystems.com
2Click SERVICES & SUPPORT at the top of the page, click Documents on Demand,
then click MSDS.
3Click MSDS Index, search through the list for the chemical of interest to you, then
click on the MSDS document number for that chemical to open a pdf of the MSDS.

1-8 Introduction and Safety
About Waste
Disposal
As the generator of potentially hazardous waste, it is your responsibility to perform the
actions listed below.
♦Characterize (by analysis if necessary) the waste generated by the particular
applications, reagents, and substrates used in your laboratory.
♦Ensure the health and safety of all personnel in your laboratory.
♦Ensure that the instrument waste is stored, transferred, transported, and disposed
of according to all local, state/provincial, or national regulations.
Note Radioactive or biohazardous materials may require special handling, and disposal
limitations may apply.

Introduction and Safety 1-9
GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Labels and Warnings
Instrument Safety
Labels
Safety labels are located on the instrument. Each safety label has three parts:
♦A signal word panel, which implies a particular level of observation or action (e.g.,
CAUTION or WARNING). If a safety label encompasses multiple hazards, the
signal word corresponding to the greatest hazard is used.
♦A message panel, which explains the hazard and any user action required.
♦A safety alert symbol, which indicates a potential personal safety hazard.
Instrument
Warnings Diagram
The following diagram shows where the hazards and warnings labels are located on
the GeneAmp®PCR System 9700.
GR1069
Laboratory Use Electrical Equipment
3Z77
US LISTED
N2284
GeneAmp
®
PCR System 9700
Part No.
Serial No.
Made in Singapore
Warning
To reduce the chance of electrical shock
do not remove covers that require
tool access.
No user serviceable parts are inside.
Refer servicing to Applied Biosystems
qualified service personnel.
Warning
Grounding circuit continuity is vital
for safe operation of equipment.
Never operate equipment with
grounding conductor disconnected.
Foster City CA94404 USA
Warning
To avoid electrical shock,
disconnect power cord before servicing.
Fuse
100/120 VAC~
8 AMP T (5x 20MM) or
8 AMP SLOW BLOW (3 AB)
Fuses
220/230/240 VAC~
8 AMP T (5x 20 MM)
50/60 Hz
USE 250 V FUSES
MAX POWER 725 VA
Warning
For protection against fire hazard, replace
only with same type and rating of fuse.

1-10 Introduction and Safety
Danger of Burns PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Hot Surface. Use care when working around
this area to avoid being burned by hot components.
Electrical Shock
Hazard
ELECTRICAL HAZARD. To reduce the chance of electrical shock do not
remove covers that require tool access. No user serviceable parts are inside. Refer servicing to
Applied Biosystems qualified service personnel.
The three-pronged power cord and receptacle contain the grounding connector.
ELECTRICAL HAZARD. Grounding circuit continuity is vital for safe operation
of equipment. Never operate equipment with grounding conductor disconnected.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Severe electrical shock, which could cause
physical injury or death, can result from working on an instrument when the high voltage power
supply is operating. To avoid electrical shock, disconnect the power supply to the instrument,
unplug the power cord, and wait at least 1 minute before working on the instrument.
WARNING!
WARNING
!
WARNING!
WARNING
!