What is the difference between an analytical balance and a precision balance?

An analytical balance provides readability of 0.1 mg or better, while a precision balance typically reads to 0.001 g or 0.01 g. Analytical balances include draft shields and are designed for highly sensitive measurements. Precision balances handle larger samples and are less affected by environmental conditions.

What readability do I need for my lab application?

You need a readability that is at least one-tenth of your smallest sample weight or required measurement increment. For example, measuring 100 mg samples may require 0.01 mg readability, while gram-level work may only need 0.01 g. Selecting higher readability than necessary increases cost without improving results.

Do lab balances need to be calibrated?

Yes, all lab balances require regular calibration to maintain accuracy. Calibration ensures measurements remain traceable to certified standards. Internal calibration simplifies this process by automating adjustments, while external calibration requires manual verification with certified weights. In regulated environments, calibration records must be documented and retained.

What is the difference between readability and repeatability?

Readability is the smallest increment of weight a balance will display. Repeatability is the degree of agreement between multiple measurements of the same mass, on the same balance, under the same conditions.

What is the best way to clean my balance to ensure accurate readings?

Inspect and clean before each use. A flannel cloth or soft brush works well for dusting and light cleaning. Use a non-abrasive cleaner for light spills, and a dry flannel cloth for glass parts. Set a regular maintenance schedule for deep cleaning to ensure optimal performance and instrument longevity.

Can vibration affect the accuracy of my balance?

Yes — even slight vibration from a heavy footstep can affect accuracy. Place the balance on a sturdy benchtop away from high-traffic areas such as hallways, elevators, stairways, and doors. If that placement is not possible, an anti-vibration table should be considered.

PCRmax Thermal Cycler ECO48 qPCR System

The PCRmax Eco 48 real-time qPCR System utilizes patented block and optical technologies to deliver extreme speed, sensitivity and data quality, with optimized protocol as fast as 15 minutes, all using standard plasticware and consumables, sensitivity down to one copy detection and the world’s most accurate block.

The PCRmax Eco 48 is a high specification, economically priced real-time thermal cycler that accommodates a unique 48-well polypropylene PCR plate utilizing the same geometry as standard 384-well plates, but only 1/8 of the size. This enables users to dramatically reduce the qPCR reagent volumes compared to traditional 96-well instruments, whilst still producing a strong fluorescence signal. Minimizing the plate size also significantly improves thermal uniformity. A minimum volume of 5µl is validated, cutting reagent costs in half and making more efficient use of expensive and hard to acquire template DNA samples.

Watch this short video to find out more.

The Eco 48 Thermal Cycler workflow is based on three simple steps:

Load samples into the 48-well plate using the backlit Eco Dock and place the plate into the Eco 48.
Run experiment.
The Eco 48 software provides instrument control, data collection, and data analysis. The most common qPCR parameters are automatically in place. These can be easily changed on the computer to meet specific experimental requirements.

qPCR System Features and Benefits:

MIQE compliant open license software giving confidence when it comes to publishing your data.
HRM functionality as standard: with the ability to discriminate class IV SNP >99% of the time.
Eco 48 allows for simple multiplex analysis with up to four dyes at once.
World’s most thermally accurate block gives consistent data every time.
High uniformity provides high-quality data. Fast cycling enables several experiments per day, all at an economical price.
Fastest block-based real-time qPCR system. 40 cycles in 40 minutes standardly and 40 cycles in as little as 15 minutes after optimization of temperatures and hold times.
Eco 48 is an open platform that can utilize any chemistry, dye or PCR reagent.
Easy to use software, making analysis simple and fast.
Industry-leading data quality.
Eco 48 format provides a small 34.5cm x 31cm (13.6” × 12.2”) footprint to save bench space

Want even more information on PCRmax Eco48 Thermal Cycler. Call our product support specialists at 1-800-323-4340.

View all available thermal cyclers from Cole-Parmer

PCRmax ECO48 Real-time qPCR System: World’s Most Accurate Block – Watch VIDEO

The Eco 48 Thermal Cycler workflow is based on three simple steps:

qPCR System Features and Benefits:

Be the first to comment on "PCRmax ECO48 Real-time qPCR System: World’s Most Accurate Block – Watch VIDEO"

Leave a comment Cancel reply