Bio-Rad PTC Tempo Thermal Cycler
| Brand | Bio-Rad |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | PTC Tempo |
| Instrument Type | Standard Thermal Cycler |
| Sample Capacity | 96-well, 384-well, 48/48 dual-block |
| Heating Rate | 5°C/s |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.2°C (measured at 90°C) |
| Well-to-Well Temperature Uniformity | ±0.4°C (measured at 90°C) |
Overview
The Bio-Rad PTC Tempo Thermal Cycler is an engineered platform for precise, reproducible polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification across academic, clinical diagnostics, biopharmaceutical quality control, and translational research laboratories. Based on resistive heating and high-fidelity PID temperature control architecture, the system delivers rapid thermal transitions and exceptional spatial and temporal thermal stability—critical for stringent applications including qPCR assay development, NGS library amplification, and regulatory-compliant QC workflows. Designed for operational continuity in GLP- and GMP-aligned environments, the PTC Tempo integrates seamlessly into both manual benchtop protocols and automated liquid handling ecosystems without compromising thermal integrity or data traceability.
Key Features
- Thermal performance validated per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration procedures: ±0.2°C accuracy at 90°C and ±0.4°C well-to-well uniformity under steady-state conditions.
- High-speed thermal ramping at 5°C/s enables shortened cycle times while maintaining enzyme fidelity and amplicon specificity.
- Motorized, self-adjusting heated lid eliminates manual pressure adjustment—automatically conforms to plate height (including low-profile and full-skirted 96-/384-well plates and tube strips), minimizing evaporation and condensation artifacts.
- Pre-calibrated at factory; ready for immediate deployment with no user-performed calibration required—reducing validation burden and time-to-first-run.
- Touch-responsive 7-inch capacitive display with intuitive icon-driven navigation supports multi-user operation without formal training; accessible for both novice technicians and experienced molecular biologists.
- Compact footprint and stackable chassis allow flexible integration into biosafety cabinets, laminar flow hoods, or modular lab racks—optimized for space-constrained core facilities.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PTC Tempo accommodates four interchangeable thermal blocks: standard 96-well, deep-well 96-well, 384-well, and dual 48/48 configuration—supporting diverse consumables including thin-wall PCR tubes, skirted/unskirted plates, and barcoded assay-ready formats. All configurations maintain identical thermal specifications across block types, ensuring method transfer consistency. The instrument complies with IEC 61010-1 (safety) and IEC 61326-1 (EMC) standards. When configured with BR.io Cloud and enabled security mode, it supports audit trails, electronic signatures, and role-based access control aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for regulated environments.
Software & Data Management
Instrument control and protocol management are supported via embedded firmware and optional cloud connectivity through Bio-Rad’s BR.io platform. Local operation includes USB export of run logs, thermal profiles, and event timestamps in CSV and PDF formats. Network-enabled units support Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection for remote monitoring, centralized protocol distribution, and version-controlled method storage. BR.io integration provides encrypted data synchronization, automated backup, and cross-instrument protocol sharing—facilitating multi-site method harmonization and LIMS interoperability. System updates are delivered over-the-air with cryptographic signature verification.
Applications
The PTC Tempo serves as a foundational thermal cycling platform in diverse use cases: routine genotyping and cloning in academic labs; high-throughput pathogen detection in clinical molecular diagnostics; cDNA synthesis and target enrichment in NGS library prep; process validation and stability testing during biologics manufacturing; and raw material release testing per USP and EP 2.6.17. Its thermal consistency ensures reliable performance in assays sensitive to minor deviations—such as allele-specific amplification, methylation-specific PCR, and multiplexed endpoint detection.
FAQ
Is the PTC Tempo compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
Yes—when operated in Secure User Mode with BR.io Cloud authentication and audit trail logging enabled.
Does the instrument require annual recalibration?
No—factory calibration is stable over the instrument’s service life; optional periodic thermodynamic qualification (TQ) is available for regulated users.
Can the PTC Tempo be integrated into robotic workcells?
Yes—the motorized lid and standardized API interface support integration with third-party automation platforms via RESTful endpoints.
What consumables are supported across all block configurations?
All standard ANSI/SLAS-format plates (96- and 384-well), 0.2 mL tube strips, and single tubes—including low-profile, full-skirted, and barcoded variants.
Is offline operation possible without network connectivity?
Yes—full local control, protocol storage, and data export via USB remain fully functional without internet or BR.io access.
