Method for incubating the contents of a receptacle

A computer-controlled method for performing a nucleic acid amplification procedure at an incubation temperature that is within a prescribed temperature range, the method being performed within an instrument that comprises at least one thermal element situated at a first location of the instrument and an amplification incubator situated at a second, spaced-apart location of the instrument, and the method comprising the automated steps of:

• (a) at the first location of the instrument, exposing a receptacle and its contents to the thermal element for a predetermined period of time, such that the temperature of the contents of the receptacle is adjusted to approximate the incubation temperature;
• (b) moving the receptacle from the first location and into the amplification incubator which is at the incubation temperature when the receptacle is moved therein, wherein the receptacle is moved into the amplification incubator through a receptacle access opening in a housing of the amplification incubator, and wherein the amplification incubator includes a door that is movable between a closed position preventing access to the amplification incubator through the receptacle access opening and an open position permitting access to the amplification incubator through the receptacle access opening;
• and
• (c) while the receptacle is within the amplification incubator, subjecting a nucleic acid contained in the contents of the receptacle to the nucleic acid amplification procedure.