In situ DNA amplifier

The problems of diagnostics and selection of methods for treating various viral diseases can be solved if information on the quantity and location of the viral genome in the cells of organs and tissues is available. This problem can be solved by the method of in situ DNA amplification, when the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is carried out directly in the cells of tissue samples, and the reaction results can be obtained after its completion visually (with a microscope), without additionally processing the materials. The RAS Institute for Biological Instrumentation located in Pushchino has developed and constructed an in situ DNA amplifier with the following performances characteristics: 1.Sample heating and cooling temperature range is 4 to 99 oC. 2.Average value of the heating-cooling rate is at least 1 oC per second. 3.Temperature measurement and control error is no more than 0.5 oC. 4.Number of plates with samples - 4. 5.Power consumption is no more than 300 W. 6.Dimensions: 240 × 185 × 470 mm. 7.Weight of the device: 7 kg. The device was successfully tested for conformity with the requirements specification; a set of design and process documentation is available.