Applied Biosystems ProFlex 2 x 384-well PCR System
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All products ship from our 30,000 sq. ft. Haverhill, MA warehouse
Shipping
All products ship from our 30,000 sq. ft. Haverhill, MA warehouse
The Applied Biosystems ProFlex 2 x 384-Well PCR System is a high-throughput thermal cycler designed for laboratories performing large numbers of conventional PCR reactions in compact 384-well formats. Equipped with two 384-well, 0.02 mL thermal blocks, the ProFlex provides capacity for up to 768 PCR reactions per run, making it an excellent choice for genomics, molecular biology, pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, academic core facilities, genotyping, cloning, sequencing preparation, and other workflows requiring repeatable high-volume thermal cycling.
The ProFlex platform combines precise thermal performance with a large 8.4-inch color touchscreen, onboard and USB method storage, programmable thermal cycling, and an interchangeable block architecture. This particular configuration is optimized for high-throughput 384-well PCR, with reaction volumes from approximately 5 to 20 µL per well.
With a maximum block ramp rate of 3.0°C/sec, sample ramp rate of up to 1.6°C/sec, temperature accuracy of ±0.25°C, and thermal uniformity of less than 0.5°C, the system provides consistent conditions across densely populated PCR plates.
This used and refurbished Applied Biosystems ProFlex PCR System is inspected, cleaned, and tested by American Instrument Exchange prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
Applied Biosystems ProFlex PCR System
2 x 384-well thermal block configuration
Up to 768 PCR reactions per run
0.02 mL well format
Recommended PCR reaction volume of 5–20 µL
Temperature range of 0–100°C
Maximum block ramp rate of 3.0°C/sec
Maximum sample ramp rate of 1.6°C/sec
Temperature accuracy of ±0.25°C from 35–99.9°C
Temperature uniformity of <0.5°C
Large 8.4-inch color TFT touchscreen
Onboard method storage
USB data and protocol storage
Programmable PCR protocols
Heated-lid system
Interchangeable ProFlex block architecture
Compact high-throughput benchtop thermal cycler
Universal 100–240V, 50/60 Hz electrical input
Used and refurbished by American Instrument Exchange
90-day AIE warranty
PCR thermal cycling depends on precise and repeatable control of three fundamental temperature stages:
Denaturation
Primer annealing
Extension
Each stage must be performed accurately over dozens of cycles for successful DNA amplification.
Variations in temperature between wells can alter amplification efficiency and contribute to inconsistent results, particularly when hundreds of reactions are being processed simultaneously.
The Applied Biosystems ProFlex platform was designed to provide stable temperature control across large PCR blocks while offering laboratories the flexibility to select different block configurations according to throughput requirements.
The 2 x 384-well ProFlex configuration is intended specifically for laboratories where throughput is a priority.
Instead of running a conventional 96-well plate, researchers can process two 384-well plates in the same instrument.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Applied Biosystems |
| Product Line | ProFlex PCR System |
| Equipment Type | Thermal Cycler / PCR System |
| Block Configuration | 2 x 384-well |
| Total Well Capacity | 768 wells |
| Well Format | 0.02 mL |
| PCR Reaction Volume | 5–20 µL |
| Temperature Range | 0–100°C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.25°C from 35–99.9°C |
| Temperature Uniformity | <0.5°C, 30 sec after reaching 95°C |
| Maximum Block Ramp Rate | 3.0°C/sec |
| Maximum Sample Ramp Rate | 1.6°C/sec |
| Display | 8.4-inch color TFT LCD touchscreen |
| Instrument Memory | Onboard and USB |
| Block Type | Interchangeable ProFlex block system |
| Dimensions | Approx. 13"W x 22"D x 10.6"H |
| Metric Dimensions | Approx. 33 x 56.5 x 27.2 cm |
| Weight | Approx. 45 lb. / 20.4 kg |
| Electrical | 100–240V, 50/60 Hz |
| Maximum Power | Approx. 950 W |
| Condition | Used / Refurbished |
| AIE Warranty | 90 Days |
The defining feature of this ProFlex configuration is its pair of 384-well thermal blocks.
Together, the two blocks provide:
768 reaction positions per run
This is particularly useful for laboratories processing large numbers of samples where conventional 96-well thermal cyclers would require multiple sequential runs.
Potential advantages include:
Increased daily PCR throughput
Reduced instrument bottlenecks
Lower reaction volumes
Better use of bench space
Greater compatibility with automated liquid handling
Improved efficiency for large experimental batches
The 384-well format is commonly used when laboratories need to scale PCR workflows while minimizing reagent consumption.
Each well is designed for relatively small reaction volumes of approximately:
5–20 µL
Reducing individual reaction volume can decrease consumption of:
Polymerase
Primers
dNTPs
Buffers
DNA templates
Other PCR reagents
Across hundreds or thousands of reactions, these reagent savings can become substantial.
The ProFlex chassis incorporates two separate 384-well block assemblies.
This provides laboratories with a high-throughput dual-block architecture in a single benchtop thermal cycler.
The configuration is especially useful for operations routinely processing complete 384-well plates.
Researchers can organize reactions according to:
Experimental group
Sample batch
Primer set
Assay type
Study cohort
while maintaining a compact laboratory footprint.
The ProFlex provides a programmable temperature range of:
0°C to 100°C
This broad range supports the principal temperature stages required for PCR as well as additional protocol steps such as:
Initial denaturation
Hot-start activation
Annealing
Extension
Final extension
Low-temperature holds
Protocol parameters can be adjusted according to polymerase, primers, template, amplicon characteristics, and experimental design.
Thermo specifies temperature accuracy of approximately:
±0.25°C from 35°C to 99.9°C
Accurate block temperature is important because PCR performance can be sensitive to relatively small changes in annealing and denaturation conditions.
This becomes particularly significant when laboratories attempt to reproduce a validated protocol across multiple instruments or large batches.
Temperature uniformity for the 384-well configuration is specified at:
less than 0.5°C, 30 seconds after reaching 95°C
Good block uniformity helps ensure that wells in different areas of a plate experience similar thermal conditions.
Without adequate uniformity, wells near the center and edges of a plate could potentially amplify differently.
For high-throughput PCR involving hundreds of samples, reducing positional thermal variation is especially important.
The 2 x 384-well ProFlex configuration provides a maximum block ramp rate of:
3.0°C per second
Ramp rate describes how quickly the thermal block moves between programmed temperatures.
Efficient ramping can reduce overall PCR run time while maintaining controlled temperature transitions.
The maximum sample ramp rate is approximately:
1.6°C per second
Sample ramp rate reflects how quickly the actual reaction mixture changes temperature and is generally lower than the block ramp rate.
The ProFlex uses a large:
8.4-inch color TFT LCD touchscreen
The interface allows users to create, select, modify, and monitor PCR programs directly from the instrument.
A large screen can be especially useful in shared laboratories where different researchers routinely program different cycling conditions.
The interface reduces reliance on an external computer for basic instrument operation.
Researchers can create thermal cycling protocols tailored to specific assays.
Typical parameters include:
Initial denaturation temperature
Initial denaturation time
Number of cycles
Denaturation temperature
Denaturation time
Annealing temperature
Annealing time
Extension temperature
Extension time
Final extension
Final hold
Programs can be stored for repeated use, helping laboratories standardize commonly performed PCR procedures.
The ProFlex includes both:
Onboard instrument memory
and
USB storage capability
This allows laboratories to retain frequently used protocols and transfer appropriate files between instruments or users.
Stored protocols can reduce repetitive programming and help improve consistency for routine workflows.
One of the distinguishing features of the ProFlex platform is its interchangeable block design.
The platform was offered with several configurations, including:
3 x 32-well blocks
Single 96-well block
2 x 96-well blocks
2 x 384-well blocks
Flat blocks for specialized chip and array applications
This specific system is equipped with the 2 x 384-well configuration.
The flexibility of the broader ProFlex platform made it possible for laboratories to select a block format based on their throughput and assay requirements.
The single 96-well ProFlex is designed around a 0.2 mL VeriFlex block and supports larger reaction volumes.
It also incorporates multiple VeriFlex temperature zones for PCR optimization.
The 2 x 384-well ProFlex, by contrast, prioritizes throughput.
It provides:
768 total wells
compared with:
96 wells
on the single-block configuration.
The 384-well version is therefore a better choice for established workflows where large numbers of reactions must be processed efficiently.
The ProFlex 2 x 384-well configuration is well suited for:
High-throughput PCR
Genotyping
Colony PCR
Mutation screening
Molecular cloning
Sequencing-library preparation
DNA amplification
Assay development
Research screening
Large cohort studies
Molecular biology workflows
Its dual 384-well format is particularly valuable when large sample populations are processed routinely.
Genotyping projects can involve hundreds or thousands of samples.
A 96-well thermal cycler may require numerous separate runs to process a large cohort.
With a capacity of up to 768 reactions per run, the ProFlex 2 x 384 can substantially increase throughput.
This makes it useful for:
SNP genotyping
Transgenic screening
Gene-editing confirmation
Breeding programs
Research cohort analysis
PCR remains a core technique in molecular cloning.
The ProFlex can support amplification associated with:
Insert generation
Vector verification
Colony screening
Construct confirmation
Mutagenesis workflows
High capacity is particularly useful in laboratories screening large numbers of bacterial colonies or recombinant clones.
PCR is commonly used during preparation for sequencing workflows.
Potential applications include:
Amplicon generation
Library amplification
Target enrichment
Indexing workflows
Quality-control amplification
The 384-well format can support projects involving large numbers of samples before downstream sequencing.
Biotechnology and pharmaceutical laboratories can use the ProFlex for:
Drug-development research
Biomarker studies
Genetic screening
Assay development
Molecular characterization
Preclinical research
Programmable thermal cycling and high reaction capacity make the system practical for both research and development environments.
Shared molecular biology and genomics facilities often need instruments capable of supporting many users without consuming excessive bench space.
A dual 384-well thermal cycler allows a core facility to provide substantial conventional PCR capacity from a single instrument.
This can be particularly valuable in:
University research centers
Genomics facilities
Cancer centers
Shared biotechnology laboratories
Institutional core laboratories
The ProFlex is a conventional endpoint thermal cycler.
It performs precise PCR temperature cycling but does not itself measure fluorescence during amplification.
A real-time PCR system, or qPCR instrument, incorporates optical detection to measure amplification as the reaction occurs.
Choose the ProFlex when the workflow requires:
Conventional PCR
Endpoint PCR
Amplification before downstream analysis
High-throughput thermal cycling
A dedicated real-time PCR platform is required when quantitative fluorescence monitoring is needed.
The ProFlex should also not be confused with a digital PCR analyzer.
Digital PCR systems partition samples and measure endpoint amplification across very large numbers of individual reactions to provide absolute nucleic-acid quantification.
The ProFlex is a programmable thermal cycler designed to perform PCR amplification.
The 384-well plate format is particularly compatible with automated molecular biology workflows.
Laboratories using liquid-handling robots can prepare PCR plates containing hundreds of reactions and transfer them directly into the ProFlex.
This can reduce:
Manual pipetting
Repetitive preparation
Throughput limitations
Operator variability
For laboratories moving toward automated sample preparation, a 384-well thermal cycler can become an important part of the overall workflow.
The recommended 5–20 µL reaction volume can reduce reagent consumption compared with traditional 25 µL or 50 µL PCR protocols.
When processing 768 reactions, even modest reductions in reagent volume can translate into substantial savings.
Laboratories should optimize reaction volumes according to their polymerase, primer concentrations, template, plate type, and assay requirements.
Like modern PCR thermal cyclers generally, the ProFlex uses a heated-lid system.
The heated lid helps limit condensation on the upper surfaces of reaction vessels during cycling.
This helps keep the reaction mixture at the bottom of each well and reduces the need for mineral-oil overlays traditionally used in older PCR systems.
Appropriate plate sealing remains important.
Because the ProFlex 2 x 384 uses a 0.02 mL 384-well format, laboratories should use compatible PCR plates and sealing materials intended for this block geometry.
Proper plate fit and sealing are important for:
Thermal contact
Evaporation control
Sample volume consistency
Reliable amplification
Plate compatibility should always be confirmed before adopting a particular consumable for routine use.
The ProFlex measures approximately:
13"W x 22"D x 10.6"H
despite providing capacity for up to 768 reactions.
This allows laboratories to obtain substantial PCR throughput without dedicating the bench space required for multiple separate thermal cyclers.
The ProFlex accepts:
100–240V, 50/60 Hz
with maximum power consumption of approximately:
950 W
This wide electrical input range makes the platform suitable for use in many laboratory environments.
The electrical data plate on the specific instrument should always be checked before installation.
PCR thermal cyclers depend on accurate thermal control, reliable electronics, precise block operation, and properly functioning heated lids.
American Instrument Exchange evaluates refurbished PCR systems before shipment.
Testing may include:
Instrument startup
Touchscreen operation
Thermal block heating
Thermal block cooling
Program execution
Temperature setpoints
Ramp operation
Heated-lid function
Block recognition
User controls
USB interface
Error monitoring
Electrical operation
General mechanical condition
The instrument is cleaned and prepared for laboratory use before shipment.
Purchasing a used and refurbished Applied Biosystems ProFlex can provide laboratories with substantial PCR capacity at a lower acquisition cost than purchasing comparable new equipment.
American Instrument Exchange supplies refurbished:
PCR thermal cyclers
Real-time PCR systems
DNA analyzers
Centrifuges
Incubators
Shakers
Laboratory refrigerators
Freezers
Ultra-low freezers
Biosafety cabinets
Other molecular biology equipment
This Applied Biosystems ProFlex PCR System includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
The ProFlex 2 x 384-well system weighs approximately:
45 lb. / 20.4 kg
and measures approximately:
13"W x 22"D x 10.6"H.
Before installation, laboratories should confirm:
Stable laboratory bench space
Adequate rear clearance
100–240V electrical service
Proper ventilation
Compatible 384-well PCR plates
Appropriate plate seals
Workspace for PCR setup
PCR preparation should be organized according to the laboratory's contamination-control procedures.
Laboratories using the Applied Biosystems ProFlex may also require PCR workstations, biosafety cabinets or clean benches where appropriate, centrifuges, microcentrifuges, vortex mixers, pipettes, laboratory refrigerators, laboratory freezers, ultra-low freezers, incubators, electrophoresis equipment, DNA analyzers, and real-time PCR systems.
American Instrument Exchange supplies used and refurbished molecular biology and general laboratory equipment for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic, clinical research, and industrial laboratories.
The ProFlex is a programmable thermal cycler used to perform conventional PCR and other temperature-controlled nucleic-acid amplification protocols.
This system is equipped with two 384-well thermal blocks.
The two 384-well blocks provide capacity for up to 768 reactions per run.
The 384-well blocks use a 0.02 mL format.
Thermo specifies approximately 5–20 µL for the 2 x 384-well configuration.
The ProFlex can be programmed from approximately 0°C to 100°C.
Temperature accuracy is approximately ±0.25°C from 35°C to 99.9°C.
Thermo specifies less than 0.5°C variation 30 seconds after reaching 95°C for the 384-well configuration.
The maximum block ramp rate is approximately 3.0°C/sec.
The maximum sample ramp rate is approximately 1.6°C/sec.
Yes. It uses an 8.4-inch color TFT LCD touchscreen.
Yes. The ProFlex provides onboard instrument memory as well as USB storage capability.
No. The ProFlex is a conventional endpoint PCR thermal cycler and does not contain the fluorescence-detection system required for real-time qPCR.
Not directly. It performs amplification. Quantitative PCR requires a qPCR instrument with optical fluorescence detection.
Yes. Its 768-well total capacity makes it particularly useful for high-throughput genotyping and screening workflows.
Yes. Applications include insert amplification, colony PCR, construct verification, and other molecular cloning workflows.
Yes. It can perform PCR steps associated with amplicon generation, target enrichment, library amplification, and other sequencing-preparation procedures.
A 384-well format increases throughput while supporting smaller reaction volumes, which can reduce reagent consumption and the number of separate PCR runs required.
No. VeriFlex zones are features of specific 96-well and 3 x 32-well ProFlex configurations. The 2 x 384-well version is optimized primarily for high throughput.
The ProFlex platform was designed around interchangeable block formats. Block compatibility and any conversion requirements should be confirmed before changing the configuration of a specific refurbished instrument.
The ProFlex accepts 100–240V, 50/60 Hz input and has maximum power consumption of approximately 950 W.
Approximately 13"W x 22"D x 10.6"H.
Approximately 45 lb. / 20.4 kg.
Thermo Fisher identifies the ProFlex platform as For Research Use Only and not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Yes. This ProFlex 2 x 384-well PCR System is available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange.
The current AIE listing includes a 90-day warranty.
Yes, all equipment from American Instrument Exchange comes with a warranty.
Used/reconditioned/refurbished equipment is tested to make sure it operates to the manufacturer's specifications and comes with a 90-day warranty (unless otherwise noted). New equipment comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.
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