Benchmark MyBlock HL Advanced Dry Block Heater BSH5001
| Brand | Benchmark |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Import Status | Imported |
| Model | MyBlock HL |
| Price Range | USD 2,700–5,400 (est.) |
| Temperature Range | Ambient +5°C to 100°C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.3°C |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1°C |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±0.2°C across block surface |
| Heating Time to 100°C | ≤10 min |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 10.5 × 15 × 11.5 cm |
| Net Weight | 1 kg |
| Input Voltage | 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz |
Overview
The Benchmark MyBlock HL Advanced Dry Block Heater BSH5001 is a compact, microprocessor-controlled dry bath system engineered for precise thermal management of small-volume biological and biochemical samples. Unlike traditional water baths or generic heating blocks, the MyBlock HL employs dual independent PID-controlled heating zones — one for the aluminum heating block and another for the motorized, thermally insulated lid — to eliminate evaporative loss and condensation during extended incubations. This architecture enables stable, uniform thermal environments critical for temperature-sensitive enzymatic reactions, isothermal amplification (e.g., LAMP), immunoassays, and endpoint or kinetic ELISA protocols. Designed and manufactured in the United States under ISO 13485-aligned quality systems, the device complies with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment and supports GLP-compliant workflows through traceable temperature logging and user-accessible calibration offsets.
Key Features
- Dual-zone thermal control: Independent regulation of block and heated lid ensures condensation-free operation and minimizes sample dehydration during prolonged incubation (up to 24 h).
- Precision aluminum heating block with optimized thermal mass and rapid heat transfer characteristics; achieves 100°C in ≤10 minutes from ambient.
- High-resolution digital interface with intuitive rotary encoder and backlit LCD display showing real-time setpoint, actual block temperature, lid temperature, and elapsed time.
- Programmable ramp-hold profiles: Supports up to 3-step temperature programs with user-defined ramp rates and dwell times.
- Over-temperature protection with hardware-based thermal cutoff (independent of microcontroller) and audible/visual alarm activation.
- Ergonomic low-profile housing (10.5 × 15 × 11.5 cm) and lightweight design (1 kg) enable seamless integration into biosafety cabinets, laminar flow hoods, or crowded benchtop environments.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MyBlock HL accommodates two interchangeable, anodized aluminum blocks: BSH100-02 (for 40 × 0.2 mL PCR tubes or 5 × 8-well PCR strips) and BSH100-05 (for 24 × 0.5 mL microtubes). All blocks are chemically resistant, autoclavable (up to 121°C, 20 min), and certified free of RNase/DNase and endotoxin contamination. The instrument meets CE marking requirements per Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD), and its electrical safety certification includes UL 61010-1 and CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1. For regulated laboratories, it supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data integrity when paired with Benchmark’s optional LogView Pro software (sold separately), enabling electronic signatures, audit trails, and secure export of temperature logs.
Software & Data Management
While standalone operation requires no PC connection, the MyBlock HL is compatible with Benchmark LogView Pro — a validated Windows-based application that captures timestamped temperature readings (block and lid) at user-selectable intervals (1 s to 60 min). Data exports in CSV and PDF formats include instrument ID, operator ID, calibration status, and environmental metadata. Audit trails record all parameter changes, user logins, and calibration events with immutable timestamps. Firmware updates are performed via USB-C port using digitally signed packages, ensuring firmware integrity and version traceability.
Applications
- Isothermal nucleic acid amplification (LAMP, RPA, NASBA) requiring strict thermal stability within ±0.3°C over multi-hour runs.
- Enzyme kinetics assays (e.g., kinase, phosphatase, polymerase activity) where reaction rate is highly sensitive to thermal drift.
- Antibody-antigen binding steps in ELISA and lateral flow assay development.
- Cell lysis optimization, protein denaturation studies, and restriction enzyme digestion protocols.
- Pre-analytical sample conditioning in clinical microbiology and molecular diagnostics labs operating under CLIA or CAP accreditation frameworks.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended continuous operating temperature?
The MyBlock HL is rated for continuous operation at 100°C; sustained use above this temperature may compromise heater longevity and thermal uniformity.
Can the heated lid be disabled for protocols requiring open-tube incubation?
Yes — the lid heater can be independently deactivated via the front panel menu while maintaining full block temperature control.
Is calibration verification traceable to NIST standards?
Each unit ships with a Certificate of Conformance and a factory calibration report; users may perform field verification using NIST-traceable PT100 probes (e.g., Fluke 724 or equivalent) and apply offset corrections via the service menu.
Are replacement blocks available with custom well configurations?
Standard blocks (BSH100-02 and BSH100-05) are stocked globally; custom configurations require minimum order quantities and are subject to engineering review for thermal validation.
Does the device support external temperature probe input for chamber monitoring?
No — the MyBlock HL does not accept external probe inputs; however, its ±0.2°C block uniformity specification ensures reliable performance without auxiliary sensing in standard applications.
