Thermal cycler systems and methods of use

A thermal cycler system for use with a sample holder configured to receive a plurality of samples, the thermal cycler system comprising:

• a sample block having an upstanding peripheral side wall and being configured to receive the sample holder;
• an adaptor having an upstanding peripheral side wall configured to be positioned about the upstanding peripheral side wall of the sample block, wherein the upstanding peripheral side wall of the adaptor is configured to extend in an upward direction toward the sample holder when the upstanding peripheral side wall of the adaptor is positioned about the upstanding peripheral side wall of the sample block and the sample holder is received in the sample block;
• and
• a drip pan configured to receive the adaptor and to secure a lateral position of the adaptor relative to the drip pan, wherein the drip pan includes a first mating feature and the adaptor includes a corresponding second mating feature configured to engage the first mating feature when the adaptor is received by the drip pan, and wherein the drip pan includes a projection and the adaptor includes a recess, the projection configured to engage the recess.