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PCR Plastics
PCR plates, strip tubes, and tip combs for qPCR, RT-PCR, and next-generation sequencing library prep. Full-skirt and semi-skirt plates in 96-well and 384-well formats.
96 & 384
Well Formats
0.1 & 0.2 mL
Well Volumes
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What format does your thermal cycler need?
Select your PCR consumable based on your instrument, well count, and application.
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Choosing PCR Plates and Consumables
PCR plates are the workhorse of molecular biology - used for endpoint PCR, quantitative PCR (qPCR), reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR), and NGS library preparation. The two critical decisions are well format (96-well vs. 384-well) and profile height (standard vs. low-profile). Your thermal cycler block determines which you need. Strip tubes are 8-tube strips that snap together and are ideal for small-batch reactions, gradient optimization, and experiments with fewer than 96 samples. Tip combs are specialized 8- or 12-channel magnetic separation tools used in bead-based cleanup workflows for NGS library prep and plasmid purification.
PCR PLATE GUIDE
96-well vs. 384-well, standard vs. low profile
| Format | Well Volume | Profile | Skirt Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96-Well Standard | 0.2 mL | Standard height | Full, semi, or non-skirted | Standard thermal cyclers, endpoint PCR |
| 96-Well Low Profile | 0.1 mL | Low profile | Full or semi-skirted | Real-time qPCR (Bio-Rad, Roche), fast cycling |
| 384-Well | 0.02-0.04 mL | Standard | Full-skirted | High-throughput screening, reagent savings |
| 8-Strip Tubes | 0.2 mL | Standard | N/A | Small batches, gradient optimization, <24 samples |
💡Matching Plates to Your Instrument
Bio-Rad CFX systems use low-profile 96-well plates with semi-skirted or full-skirted frames. Applied Biosystems / QuantStudio systems use standard-profile 96-well plates with barcode-compatible skirts. Roche LightCycler 480 uses 96-well or 384-well white plates with specialized sealing. Always check your instrument manual for the approved plate dimensions and skirt type. Using the wrong profile can cause poor thermal contact and inconsistent Ct values.
COMMON QUESTIONS
PCR Plastics FAQ
Full-skirted plates have a rigid frame around all four sides of the plate, providing maximum mechanical stability. They are preferred for robotic handling, automated plate stackers, and instruments with plate-gripping mechanisms. Semi-skirted plates have shorter side walls and are compatible with most manual and semi-automated workflows. Non-skirted plates are the most flexible but least rigid.
White plates reflect the fluorescent signal back toward the detector, increasing signal intensity by 2-4x compared to clear plates. This improves sensitivity and is recommended for all qPCR and RT-qPCR applications. Clear plates are used for endpoint PCR where you need to visually inspect reactions, and for UV-based quantification. Some instruments (Roche LightCycler) specifically require white plates.
Yes. Our PCR plates are manufactured from virgin polypropylene with low DNA-binding surfaces. They are certified DNase/RNase-free, human DNA-free, and PCR inhibitor-free. This is critical for sensitive applications like digital PCR, single-cell analysis, and low-copy-number target detection.
Tip combs are used in magnetic bead-based cleanup protocols, most commonly in NGS library preparation. They are 8- or 12-pronged disposable tools that capture paramagnetic beads from a plate, allowing you to transfer beads between wash and elution steps without liquid carryover. They are used with instruments like the Thermo KingFisher and in manual bead cleanup workflows.
No. 384-well plates require a thermal cycler block specifically designed for the 384-well format. The wells are smaller and more closely spaced than 96-well plates. You need a 384-well compatible instrument such as the Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 5/6, Bio-Rad CFX384, or equivalent. Do not attempt to run a 384-well plate on a 96-well block.
Running high-throughput PCR?
We offer case pricing on PCR plates, strip tubes, and sealing films. Let us build a consumables package matched to your instruments.