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New Software Suite Simplifies Automated PCR Setup

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 17 Mar 2014

Image: The EVO Freedom Workstation (Photo courtesy of Tecan).

Image: The EVO Freedom Workstation (Photo courtesy of Tecan).

A powerful set of software tools is now available to simplify the use of automated PCR workstations for both the clinical and research laboratory.

The Swiss instrument manufacturer Tecan (Männedorf, Switzerland) has launched the TouchTools PCR Wizard, an easy-to-use add-on for the Freedom EVO family of workstations, which offers straightforward automation of PCR reaction set-ups.

The Tecan Freedom EVO series offers worktables with building-block modularity that ensures precision, reliable liquid handling, and easy-to-use robotics. Each platform can be combined with a wide choice of robotic arms, liquid handling tools, and application options powered by straightforward software that can be programmed to meet the needs of each individual laboratory. The EVO platform allows a choice of pipetting technologies on the same platform, including the possibility of combining both air and liquid displacement on a single workstation.

The PCR Wizard simplifies reaction set-up for a wide range of applications, from end-point, real-time and multiplex PCR protocols, to sequencing, genotyping and gene expression methods, as well as pathogen and mutagenesis detection. The PCR Wizard’s intuitive TouchTools interface helps to reduce training time and costs for research and diagnostic laboratories.

Data can be exported in formats compatible with the most popular real-time PCR cyclers from Bio-Rad (Hercules, CA, USA) and Life Technologies (Carlsbad, CA, USA) and optional integrated sample tracking further increases process security. For maximum flexibility, the PCR Wizard can be used in conjunction with the Freedom EVOware Normalization Wizard, providing simple, user-oriented solutions for the entire genomics workflow.

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