Methods and apparatus for controlling DNA amplification

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for optimizing DNA amplification are provided. The apparatus of the invention includes a DNA amplification cycler and a detector capable of measuring a parameter of at least one stage of DNA amplification that changes as the reaction of said stage approaches completion. It is presently preferred that fluorescence be used as such parameter. A microprocessor may be used to make comparisons of the value of the parameter over time, particularly as the reaction nears completion. A controller is used to terminate the current stage and progress to the next stage of DNA amplification when the reaction of the current stage has reached a desired state of completion. A method of the invention may include monitoring the progress of at least one stage of DNA amplification, measuring a parameter that provides data regarding the reaction of that stage, determining when the reaction of the stage has reached a desired level of completion, and the terminating the operation of the present stage and progressing to the next stage of the DNA amplification.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.