96-well pcr sealing

[Tim Spahlinger]

I haven't used your thermal cycler, but I have used mineral 
oil (one drop carefully layered over the top of the reaction 
mix; then, seal the tube) to eliminate evaporation.  Sigma 
Chemical Company sells it.  I would say that if only your 
outside wells are evaporating, it's possible that your 
heating block is not being evenly heated.  In this case, the 
machine should be checked out and repaired, if necessary.

Guo-Yun Yu wrote:

> Hi,
> 
> I am doing a whole genome scan for a disease locus.  One technical
> problem need your help.  The problem is that we have a Hybaid PCR
> express thermal  cycler, the machine is fine except with 96-well
> plates.  When using 96-well plates, most of the reactions (10 ul) in the
> wells along the outside edge of the plate do not work due to
> evaporation.
> I have tried tape, sealing mate, non of them work.  I am sure you have
> use 96-well PCR.  Could you tell me what kind of machine, plate sealing
> method you used.  What could be my problem?
> 
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> Guo-yun yu
> gyy at tc.umn.edu