Lab Timer Workflow for PCR and Thermo-Cycling
Use a lab timer to stay on schedule during PCR, qPCR, and other thermo-cycling runs without missing steps.
PCR and qPCR runs follow a fixed pattern: denaturation, annealing, extension, repeat. A single mistake in timing or in the cycle count can waste samples and time. A lab timer that mirrors your program helps you stay on schedule.
Why a dedicated lab timer helps
- Cycle awareness: You see at a glance which phase you’re in and how long is left.
- Less mental load: No need to watch the cycler display every few seconds.
- Multi-sample runs: One timer set per step works for all wells; you focus on pipetting and moving plates.
Setting it up in Lab Laps
- New project — e.g. “qPCR SYBR 2-step”.
- One step per cycle stage — e.g. “Denaturation 10s”, “Annealing 30s”, “Extension 45s”. Add a final “Hold” step if you use one.
- One timer per stage — Match the durations to your cycler program.
- Sync timers — Turn on timer sync so the same timers apply to every step. As the machine moves through the program, your Lab Laps view matches it step by step.
Optional: groups for ramp and hold
If your protocol has a “Ramp” or “Hold 4°C” block, add a group (e.g. “Initial denature + hold”) and put those steps inside. Use the main steps for the repeating cycles.
Lab Laps supports multi-step protocols, timer sync, and autosave. Try it on your next PCR run.