PCR Laboratory Set-up

Abstract

As discussed in previous chapters, PCR is a powerful technique for amplifying very small amounts of nucleic acid templates, and also it is known for being a very sensitive technique. Thus, even a few molecules of template DNA can be amplified to billions of copies in a single reaction. Therefore, it is important that only the template we wish to amplify enters in the reaction. Unfortunately, the PCR chemistry has one drawback that is the susceptibility to contamination from its own product and also from external sources. That is why it is important to keep in mind a good laboratory scenario in which the necessary precautions and equipments are set and placed on the right position to avoid unnecessary delays in experiments, and undesirable or false results. This chapter will be dedicated to draw a picture on how a typical PCR laboratory should be handled and set up to obtain reliable and contamination-free results. Also, general guidelines for the establishment and the maintenance of a clean environment will be addressed. Courtesy is given to Viljoen et al, 2005, Molecular Diagnostics PCR Handbook., Springer, 2005