(a) providing said first sample to a first location of a substrate, wherein said first location has a first volume configured to retain said first sample and permit said first sample to be subjected to a condition for a first PCR reaction, wherein said substrate further comprises a second location comprising a second sample undergoing a second PCR reaction;

(b) using a first element disposed adjacent to said first location to affect said condition in said first location to thereby initiate said first PCR reaction using said first sample, wherein said first PCR reaction generates a signal or signal change which is indicative of a property associated with said analyte;

(c) using a second element operably coupled to said first element to adjust an operating condition of said first element at least partially in response to said signal or signal change, to thereby affect said condition in said first location; and

(d) adjusting said operating condition of said first element to decrease a rate of said first PCR reaction upon said signal or signal change reaching a predetermined threshold, wherein said second PCR reaction continues within said second location after said first PCR reaction in said first location is stopped.