Reaction System for Performing in the Amplification of Nucleic Acids

A method of carrying out a rapid amplification reaction, the method comprising supplying to a reagent well in a disposable unit:

• (a) a sample that contains or is suspected of containing a target nucleic acid sequence;
• (b) primers, nucleotides and enzymes required to effect the amplification reaction;
• (c) a buffer system;
• and
• (d) a blocking agent, and
• subjecting the disposable unit to amplification conditions such that target nucleic acid present within the sample is amplified,
• wherein the disposable unit comprises a thermally conducting layer and a facing layer having one or more reagent wells of up to 1000 microns in depth defined therebetween.

A method of carrying out an amplification reaction, the method comprising supplying to a reagent well in a disposable unit:

• (a) a sample that contains or is suspected of containing a target nucleic acid sequence;
• (b) primers, nucleotides and enzymes required to effect the amplification reaction;
• and
• (c) a buffer system having a concentration of 30-70 mM;
• and
• (d) a blocking agent, and
• subjecting the disposable unit to thermal cycling conditions such that any target nucleic acid present within the sample is amplified,
• wherein the disposable unit comprises a thermally conducting layer and a facing layer having one or more reagent wells of up to 1000 microns in depth defined therebetween.

A kit comprising:

• (a) a disposable unit for conducting a thermal cycling reaction;
• (b) a buffer system of 30 to 70 mM;
• and
• (c) a blocking agent,
• wherein the disposable unit comprises a pouch comprising a thermally conducting layer and a facing layer having a plurality of reagent wells defined therebetween, wherein the reagent wells are fed by a common channel that includes a single opening to an outside of the pouch.