Patent ID: 6395536
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: B01L,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
Apparatus for use in processing a sample on a support, the apparatus comprising; a support; a main body; a support holding member located on the main body; a sealing means; a support-cell forming member; clamping means; the support being positioned in contact with the support holding member, the support-cell forming member being clamped against the support by the clamping means with the sealing means positioned between the support and the support-cell forming member so as to effect a seal therebetween, so as to form a support-cell with a substantially sealed chamber with a volume of 50-300 &mgr;l, the support-cell forming member comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for the introduction and removal respectively of fluids used in processing the sample whilst the chamber remains substantially sealed; and wherein an air-filled space between the support holding member and the main body thermally insulates the support holding member and allows for rapid temperature regulation of said support holding member, said thermal insulation and rapid temperature regulation facilitating the use of the apparatus for in situ PCR.