Using miniPCR Learning Labs with other equipment
miniPCR Learning Labs™ are generally compatible with equipment from other manufacturers. While miniPCR offers or own devices (like the miniPCR® thermal cycler and a broad range of electrophoresis systems), the reagents, protocols, and lab exercises included in our Learning Labs are designed to be versatile. You can use common lab equipment from other brands as long as they meet the basic technical requirements listed below.
Here’s a breakdown of how miniPCR Learning Labs can be used with common lab equipment from other manufacturers:
Thermal cyclers: 
- Any standard thermal cycler can be used to perform miniPCR activities.
- All miniPCR activities list the time and temperature requirements for the PCR program.
- Different thermal cyclers may differ in how long it takes to complete a program.
Gel electrophoresis systems:
- Any standard agarose gel electrophoresis system can be used to perform miniPCR activities.
- If using an external power supply, ensure that it meets the required voltage (usually around 70-90V).
DNA visualization: 
- miniPCR activities are compatible with safe fluorescent DNA stains.
- The blueGel, Bandit/Viewit, and GELATO systems include blue LED illumination for DNA bands, which is ideal for safe and sensitive imaging with fluorescence DNA stains.
- Nucleic acid stains used in miniPCR kits are generally compatible with standard blue transilluminators.
- SeeGreen is compatible with both UV and blue lights (~250 nm or ~460 nm).
- GelGreen is optimized for blue light detection (~460 nm).
- Other fluorescent DNA stains may be used, provided that they be paired with a compatible transilluminator (e.g., UV or blue wavelengths).
Using the Learning Lab Companion Kit with other systems:
- The Learning Lab™ Companion Kit from miniPCR includes plastic consumables and gel electrophoresis reagents necessary to complete a miniPCR Learning Lab activity with eight lab groups, all in one convenient bundle.
- The gel electrophoresis reagents are sized for the blueGel™ and Bandit™ electrophoresis systems but can be adapted for use with other gel electrophoresis systems.
- Users of other systems that meet the criteria listed above may use the Learning Lab Companion Kit following the adaptations linked in the “Related resources” section.
