Applied Biosystems GeneAmp PCR System 9700 User manual

GeneAmp® PCR System 9700
Auto-Lid Dual 96 and Dual 96 Sample Block
Module
User Guide
GeneAmp® PCR System 9700
Dual 96 Sample Block Module
User Guide

© Copyright 2007, 2010 Applied Biosystems. All rights reserved.
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.
The combination of the Dual 96 and Auto-Lid Dual 96 Interchangeable Sample Block Modules with a GeneAmp® PCR System 9700 Base Unit is covered by U.S.
patentsand patent claims in other countries.
The Auto-lid is covered by by U.S. patents.
TRADEMARKS:
Applied Biosystems, AB (Design), ABI PRISM, GeneAmp, and MicroAmp are registered trademarks of Applied Biosystems or its subsidiaries in the US and/or
certain other countries.
All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.
Part Number 4343363 Rev. E
01/2011

Contents
GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block Module User Guide iii
Preface
How to Use This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
How to Obtain More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
How to Obtain Services and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
Safety and EMC Compliance Information
Safety Conventions Used in This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Symbols on Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Safety Labels on Instruments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
General Instrument Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Chemical Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Chemical Waste Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
Chemical Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv
Physical Hazard Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv
Workstation Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv
Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi
Chapter 1 Dual 96 Sample Block
Module Overview
About the Dual 96 Sample Block Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Installing the Dual 96 Sample Block Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Sample Tray and Plate Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Loading Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Chapter 2 Maintaining the
Sample Block Module
Cleaning the Sample Block Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Putting the Heated Cover into Cleaning Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Cleaning the Heated Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Cleaning the Sample Block Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

iv GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block Module User Guide
Chapter 3 Testing the Dual 96 Sample Block Module
Performing the Calibration Verification Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Performing the Temperature Non-Uniformity Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Performing System Performance Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Index

GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block Module User Guide v
Preface
How to Use This Guide
Purpose of This
Guide
The Applied Biosystems GeneAmp® PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block
Module User Guide provides the information you need to operate the Dual 96
Sample Block Module.
Audience This guide is intended for novice and experienced GeneAmp® PCR System 9700
users who incorporate the Dual 96 Sample Block module.
Text Conventions This guide uses the following conventions:
•Bold indicates user action. For example:
Ty p e 0, then press Enter for each of the remaining fields.
•Italic text indicates new or important words and is also used for emphasis. For
example:
Before analyzing, always prepare fresh matrix.
• A right arrow bracket (>) separates successive commands you select from a
drop-down or shortcut menu. For example:
Select File > Open > Spot Set.
Right-click the sample row, then select View Filter > View All Runs.
User Attention
Words
Two user attention words appear in Applied Biosystems user documentation. Each
word implies a particular level of observation or action as described below:
Note: Provides information that may be of interest or help but is not critical to the
use of the product.
IMPORTANT! Provides information that is necessary for proper instrument
operation, accurate chemistry kit use, or safe use of a chemical.
Examples of the user attention words appear below:
Note: The size of the column affects the run time.
Note: The Calibrate function is also available in the Control Console.
IMPORTANT! To verify your client connection to the database, you need a valid
Oracle user ID and password.
IMPORTANT! You must create a separate Sample Entry Spreadsheet for each 96-well
microtiter plate.
Safety Alert
Words
Safety alert words also appear in user documentation. For more information, see
“Safety Alert Words” on page viii.

Preface
vi GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block Module User Guide
How to Obtain More Information
Related
Documentation
The following related documents are shipped with the system:
•GeneAmp® PCR System 9700 Base Module User's Manual – Describes the
GeneAmp PCR System 9700 hardware and software and provides information
on preparing, maintaining, and troubleshooting the system.
•GeneAmp® PCR System 9700 Quick Reference Guide Set – The Quick
Reference Guide provides the fundamentals of preparing and starting a run and
working with methods.
Portable document format (PDF) versions of supporting documents are also available
on the CD shipped with the system.
Note: For additional documentation, see “How to Obtain Services and Support” on
page vi.
Send Us Your
Comments
Applied Biosystems welcomes your comments and suggestions for improving its
user documents. You can e-mail your comments to:
[email protected]
How to Obtain Services and Support
For the latest services and support information for all locations, go to
http://www.appliedbiosystems.com, then click the link for Services and Support.
At the Services and Support page, you can:
• Search through frequently asked questions (FAQs)
• Submit a question directly to Technical Support
• Order Applied Biosystems user documents, MSDSs, certificates of analysis,
and other related documents
• Download PDF documents
• Obtain information about customer training
• Download software updates and patches
In addition, the Services and Support page provides access to worldwide telephone
and fax numbers to contact Applied Biosystems Technical Support and Sales
facilities.

GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block Module User Guide vii
Safety and EMC Compliance Information
This section includes the following topics:
Safety Conventions Used in This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Symbols on Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Safety Labels on Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
General Instrument Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Chemical Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Chemical Waste Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
Electrical Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv
Physical Hazard Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv
Workstation Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv
Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi

Safety and EMC Compliance Information
viii GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block Module User Guide
Safety Conventions Used in This Document
Safety Alert
Words
Four safety alert words appear in Applied Biosystems user documentation at points
in the document where you need to be aware of relevant hazards. Each alert
word–IMPORTANT, CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER–implies a particular
level of observation or action, as defined below:
Definitions
IMPORTANT! – Indicates information that is necessary for proper instrument
operation, accurate chemistry kit use, or safe use of a chemical.
– Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, 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 that, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
– Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury. This signal word is to be limited to the most
extreme situations.
Except for IMPORTANTs, each safety alert word in an Applied Biosystems
document appears with an open triangle figure that contains a hazard symbol. These
hazard symbols are identical to the hazard icons that are affixed to Applied
Biosystems instruments (see “Safety Symbols” on page ix).
Examples
The following examples show the use of safety alert words:
IMPORTANT! You must create a separate a Sample Entry Spreadsheet for each
96-well microtiter plate.
The lamp is extremely hot. Do not touch the lamp until it has
cooled to room temperature.
CHEMICAL HAZARD.Formamide. Exposure causes eye,
skin, and respiratory tract irritation. It is a possible developmental and birth defect
hazard. Read the MSDS, and follow the handling instructions. Wear appropriate
protective eyewear, clothing, and gloves.
ELECTRICAL HAZARD. Failure to ground the instrument
properly can lead to an electrical shock. Ground the instrument according to the
provided instructions.

Symbols on Instruments
GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block Module User Guide ix
Symbols on Instruments
Electrical
Symbols on
Instruments
The following table describes the electrical symbols that may be displayed on
Applied Biosystems instruments.
Safety Symbols The following table describes the safety symbols that may be displayed on
Applied Biosystems instruments. Each symbol may appear by itself or in
combination with text that explains the relevant hazard (see “Safety Labels on
Instruments” on page x). These safety symbols may also appear next to DANGERS,
WARNINGS, and CAUTIONS that occur in the text of this and other
product-support documents.
Symbol Description
Indicates the On position of the main power switch.
Indicates the Off position of the main power switch.
Indicates the On/Off position of a push-push main power switch.
Indicates a terminal that may be connected to the signal ground reference
of another instrument. This is not a protected ground terminal.
Indicates a protective grounding terminal that must be connected to earth
ground before any other electrical connections are made to the
instrument.
Indicates a terminal that can receive or supply alternating current or
voltage.
Indicates a terminal that can receive or supply alternating or direct current
or voltage.
Symbol Description
Indicates that you should consult the manual for further information and to
proceed with appropriate caution.
Indicates the presence of an electrical shock hazard and to proceed with
appropriate caution.
Indicates the presence of a hot surface or other high-temperature hazard and
to proceed with appropriate caution.

Safety and EMC Compliance Information
x GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block Module User Guide
Safety Labels on Instruments
The following CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER statements may be displayed
on Applied Biosystems instruments in combination with the safety symbols
described in the preceding section.
Indicates the presence of a laser inside the instrument and to proceed with
appropriate caution.
Indicates the presence of moving parts and to proceed with appropriate
caution.
Symbol Description
English Francais
CAUTION Hazardous chemicals. Read the
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
before handling.
ATTENTION Produits chimiques
dangeureux. Lire les fiches techniques de
sûreté de matériels avant la manipulation
des produits.
CAUTION Hazardous waste. Read the
waste profile (if any) in the site preparation
guide for this instrument before handling or
disposal.
ATTENTION Déchets dangereux. Lire les
renseignements sur les déchets avant de
les manipuler ou de les éliminer.
CAUTION Hazardous waste. Refer to
MSDS(s) and local regulations for handling
and disposal.
ATTENTION Déchets dangereux. Lire les
fiches techniques de sûreté de matériels et
la régulation locale associées à la
manipulation et l'élimination des déchets.
WARNING Hot lamp. AVERTISSEMENT Lampe brûlante.
WARNING Hot. Replace lamp with an
Applied Biosystems lamp.
AVERTISSEMENT Composants brûlants.
Remplacer la lampe par une lampe
Applied Biosystems.
CAUTION Hot surface. ATTENTION Surface brûlante.
DANGER High voltage. DANGER Haute tension.
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.
AVERTISSEMENT Pour éviter les risques
d'électrocution, ne pas retirer les capots
dont l'ouverture nécessite l'utilisation
d'outils. L’instrument ne contient aucune
pièce réparable par l’utilisateur. Toute
intervention doit être effectuée par le
personnel de service qualifié de
Applied Biosystems.
CAUTION Moving parts. ATTENTION Parties mobiles.

General Instrument Safety
GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block Module User Guide xi
General Instrument Safety
PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Use this product only as
specified in this document. Using this instrument in a manner not specified by
Applied Biosystems may result in personal injury or damage to the instrument.
Moving and
Lifting the
Instrument
PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. The instrument is to be moved
and positioned only by the personnel or vendor specified in the applicable site
preparation guide. If you decide to lift or move the instrument after it has been
installed, do not attempt to lift or move the instrument without the assistance of
others, the use of appropriate moving equipment, and proper lifting techniques.
Improper lifting can cause painful and permanent back injury. Depending on the
weight, moving or lifting an instrument may require two or more persons.
Operating the
Instrument
Ensure that anyone who operates the instrument has:
• Received instructions in both general safety practices for laboratories and
specific safety practices for the instrument.
• Read and understood all applicable Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). See
“About MSDSs” on page xi.
Chemical Safety
Chemical Hazard
Warning
CHEMICAL HAZARD. Before handling any chemicals, refer
to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provided by the manufacturer, and
observe all relevant precautions.
CHEMICAL HAZARD. All chemicals in the instrument,
including liquid in the lines, are potentially hazardous. Always determine what
chemicals have been used in the instrument before changing reagents or instrument
components. Wear appropriate eyewear, protective clothing, and gloves when
working on the instrument.
About MSDSs Chemical manufacturers supply current Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) with
shipments of hazardous chemicals to new customers. They also provide MSDSs with
the first shipment of a hazardous chemical to a customer after an MSDS has been
updated. MSDSs provide the safety information you need to store, handle, transport,
and dispose of the chemicals safely.
Each time you receive a new MSDS packaged with a hazardous chemical, be sure to
replace the appropriate MSDS in your files.

Safety and EMC Compliance Information
xii GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block Module User Guide
Obtaining
MSDSs
You can obtain from Applied Biosystems the MSDS for any chemical supplied by
Applied Biosystems. This service is free and available 24 hours a day.
To obtain MSDSs:
1. Go to https://docs.appliedbiosystems.com/msdssearch.html
2. In the Search field, type in the chemical name, part number, or other
information that appears in the MSDS of interest. Select the language of your
choice, then click Search.
3. Find the document of interest, right-click the document title, then select any of
the following:
•Open – To view the document
•Print Target – To print the document
•Save Target As – To download a PDF version of the document to a
destination that you choose
4. To have a copy of a document sent by fax or e-mail, select Fax or Email to the
left of the document title in the Search Results page, then click RETRIEVE
DOCUMENTS at the end of the document list.
5. After you enter the required information, click View/Deliver Selected
Documents Now.
Chemical Safety
Guidelines
To minimize the hazards of chemicals:
• Read and understand the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provided by the
chemical manufacturer before you store, handle, or work with any chemicals or
hazardous materials. (See “About MSDSs” on page xi.)
• Minimize contact with chemicals. Wear appropriate personal protective
equipment when handling chemicals (for example, 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 (for example, 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 Safety
GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block Module User Guide xiii
Chemical Waste Safety
Chemical Waste
Hazard
HAZARDOUS WASTE. Refer to Material Safety Data Sheets
and local regulations for handling and disposal.
Chemical Waste
Safety Guidelines
To minimize the hazards of chemical waste:
• 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.
• Provide primary and secondary waste containers. (A primary waste container
holds the immediate waste. A secondary container contains spills or leaks from
the primary container. Both containers must be compatible with the waste
material and meet federal, state, and local requirements for container storage.)
• Minimize contact with chemicals. Wear appropriate personal protective
equipment when handling chemicals (for example, 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 (for example, fume hood).For additional
safety guidelines, consult the MSDS.
• Handle chemical wastes in a fume hood.
• 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.
Waste Disposal If potentially hazardous waste is generated when you operate the instrument, you
must:
• 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, and/or national regulations.
IMPORTANT! Radioactive or biohazardous materials may require special handling,
and disposal limitations may apply.

Safety and EMC Compliance Information
xiv GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block Module User Guide
Electrical Safety
Fuses ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Improper fuses or high-
voltage supply can damage the instrument wiring system and cause a fire. Before
turning on the instrument, verify that the fuses are properly installed and that the
instrument voltage matches the power supply in your laboratory.
FIRE HAZARD. For continued protection against the risk of
fire, replace fuses only with fuses of the type and rating specified for the instrument.
Power ELECTRICAL HAZARD. Grounding circuit continuity is vital
for the safe operation of equipment. Never operate equipment with the grounding
conductor disconnected.
ELECTRICAL HAZARD. Use properly configured and
approved line cords for the voltage supply in your facility.
ELECTRICAL HAZARD. Plug the system into a properly
grounded receptacle with adequate current capacity.
Overvoltage
Rating
The GeneAmp PCR System®9700 system has an installation (overvoltage) category
of II, and is classified as portable equipment
Physical Hazard Safety
Moving Parts PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Moving parts can crush and
cut. Keep hands clear of moving parts while operating the instrument. Disconnect
power before servicing the instrument.
PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Do not operate the instrument
without the arm shield in place. Keep hands out of the deck area when the instrument
is spotting.
Hot Surface PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. During instrument operation,
the temperature of the heated cover can be as high as 108 °C, and the temperature of
the sample block can e as high as 100 °C. Before performing the procedure, keep
hands away until the heated cover and sample block reach room temperature.

Workstation Safety
GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block Module User Guide xv
Workstation Safety
Correct ergonomic configuration of your workstation can reduce or prevent effects
such as fatigue, pain, and strain. Minimize or eliminate these effects by configuring
your workstation to promote neutral or relaxed working positions.
MUSCULOSKELETAL AND REPETITIVE MOTION
HAZARD. These hazards are caused by potential risk factors that include but are not
limited to repetitive motion, awkward posture, forceful exertion, holding static
unhealthy positions, contact pressure, and other workstation environmental factors.
To minimize musculoskeletal and repetitive motion risks:
• Use equipment that comfortably supports you in neutral working positions and
allows adequate accessibility to the keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
• Position the keyboard, mouse, and monitor to promote relaxed body and head
postures.

Safety and EMC Compliance Information
xvi GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block Module User Guide
Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Standards
This section provides information on:
•U.S. and Canadian Safety Standards
• Canadian EMC Standard
•European Safety and EMC Standards
•Australian EMC Standards
U.S. and
Canadian Safety
Standards
This instrument has been tested to and complies with standard UL 3101-1, “Safety
Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Laboratory Use, Part 1: General
Requirements.”
This instrument has been tested to and complies with standard CSA 1010.1, “Safety
Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory
Use, Part 1: General Requirements.”
Canadian EMC
Standard
This instrument has been tested to and complies with ICES-001, Issue 3: Industrial,
Scientific, and Medical Radio Frequency Generators.
European Safety
and EMC
Standards
Safety
This instrument meets European requirements for safety (Low Voltage Directive
73/23/EEC). This instrument has been tested to and complies with standards
EN 61010-1:2001, “Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,
Control and Laboratory Use, Part 1: General Requirements” and EN 61010-2-010,
“Particular Requirements for Laboratory Equipment for the Heating of Materials.”
EMC
This instrument meets European requirements for emission and immunity (EMC
Directive 89/336/EEC). This instrument has been tested to and complies with
standard EN 61326 (Group 1, Class B), “Electrical Equipment for Measurement,
Control and Laboratory Use – EMC Requirements.”
Australian EMC
Standards
This instrument has been tested to and complies with standard AS/NZS 2064,
“Limits and Methods Measurement of Electromagnetic Disturbance Characteristics
of Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) Radio-frequency Equipment.”

DRAFT
October 24, 2007 9:40 am, 44343363 D 03 Overview.fm
GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block Module User Guide 1-1
1
Dual 96 Sample Block
Module Overview 1
This chapter covers:
About the Dual 96 Sample Block Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Installing the Dual 96 Sample Block Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Sample Tray and Plate Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Loading Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

DRAFT
October 24, 2007 9:40 am, 44343363 D 03 Overview.fm
Chapter 1 Dual 96 Sample Block Module Overview
1-2 GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block Module User Guide
About the Dual 96 Sample Block Module
What It Does The GeneAmp®PCR System 9700 amplifies nucleic acids using the polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) process.
Sample block modules are interchangeable. You can, for example, remove a 384-well
Sample Block Module and replace it with the Dual 96 Sample Block Module. This
interchangeable module design allows you to change sample well formats as well as
throughput capacity.
Compatible
Software
Interchanging sample block modules may require a firmware change. If the sample
block module is placed on a base module running an earlier software version, the
instrument will not operate correctly. To upgrade the base module software, use the
floppy disk that is shipped with the Dual 96 Sample Block Module. For instructions
on upgrading the software, see the GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Base Module User’s
Manual (P/N 4303481) or see “How to Obtain Services and Support”on page vi.
Heated Cover The Dual 96 Sample Block Module comes with a heated manual lid. Simply slide the
lid back and forth into position. The heated cover slides over the sample blocks and
performs two functions:
• It raises the temperature of the upper part of the tube (the part above the sample
blocks) above the temperature of the reaction mixture. This reduces
condensation, which may have a negative effect on your chemistry.
• It puts pressure on the reaction plates to seat them firmly and precisely in the
sample blocks. This enhances heat transfer.

DRAFT
October 24, 2007 9:40 am, 44343363 D 03 Overview.fm
About the Dual 96 Sample Block Module
GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block Module User Guide 1-3
Module Features The Dual 96 Sample Block Module is shown below (Figure 1-1).
Sample Blocks There are two sample blocks in the Dual 96 Sample Block Module. Each holds one
96-well reaction plate.
IMPORTANT! The right sample block is the primary control block. If you are using
only one reaction plate:
• Place the reaction plate you are using in the right sample block.
• Place an empty reaction plate in the left sample block.
POWER
F1 F2F3F4 F5
STOP
123
456
789
ENTER 0CE
GR2255
GeneAmp
®
PCR System 9700
Figure 1-1 Dual 96 Sample Block Module on the GeneAmp®PCR System
9700 Base Module
Heated cover
Lever used to move the
lid
Dual 96 Sample Block Module
GeneAmp®PCR System 9700
Base Module
Dual 96 sample blocks
Using reaction plates on both sides If you use just one reaction plate, place it on
the right. Place an empty plate on the left.

DRAFT
October 24, 2007 9:40 am, 44343363 D 03 Overview.fm
Chapter 1 Dual 96 Sample Block Module Overview
1-4 GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Dual 96 Sample Block Module User Guide
Placing the
Reaction Plates
To place the reaction plates in the sample blocks:
1. Place a 96-well reaction plate into the right sample block.
2. Place a second reaction plate in the left sample block.
IMPORTANT! You must insert two plates into the sample block for the
instrument to run properly.
3. Close the heated lid:
4. Process the samples.
Peltier Heating/
Cooling Unit
The internal Peltier heating/cooling unit is housed in the sample block module. The
sample block module is made of aluminum to provide the optimal thermal transfer
rate.
• Platinum sensors in the sample block module provide:
• Wide temperature range: 4 to 99.9 °C
•Accuracy:±0.25°C from 35 to 100 °C
• Uniformity of each sample block: ±0.5 °C (measured after 30 sec at 95 °C)
• Uniformity of combined sample blocks: ±0.75 °C (measured after 30 sec at
95 °C)
• Long-term stability and high reliability
Modules,
Accessories, and
Disposables
The modules listed below are available for the GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Base
Module. The accessories and disposables are for use with the Dual 96 Sample Block
Module.
Ordering Order modules, accessories, and disposables from Applied Biosystems by part
number. See Tables 1-1 through 1-3.
Table 1-1 Modules for the 9700 Base Module
Modules Part Number
96-Well Sample Block Module N805-0251
96-Well Gold Sample Block Module 4314443