Product Highlights

• Simple - streamlined protocol for straightforward validation of DNA extraction and determination of qPCR assay inhibition
• Sensitive - control assay identifies even small effects on DNA extraction and inhibition of amplification
• Optimized - control DNA has a sequence with no known homology to any organism thereby avoiding detection of sample DNA
• Specific - probe-based assay designed specifically for real-time PCR assays
• Flexible - ideal for use with a wide range of sample types, including inhibitor-rich samples like blood, urine and sputum samples

Product Description

A common practice in qPCR is to add a known amount of spiked control DNA after DNA extraction, this monitors PCR inhibition but has no value as an extraction control. The ideal situation is to have the test sample and internal control undergo the same processing prior to qPCR. Meridian has developed the qPCR Extraction Control, which more closely mimics the test sample, as compared to spike controls. Genetic material from the test sample and the qPCR Extraction Control is simultaneously extracted by common extraction methods, with the extraction control being as sensitive to inhibition and extraction failure as the test sample.

The qPCR Extraction Control cells are of a known concentration, containing the Internal Control DNA sequence. This sequence contains no known homology to any organism and, importantly, has minimal interference with detection of sample DNA. The qPCR Extraction Control cells are spiked into the lysis buffer with the target sample, prior to DNA extraction. Control Mix, which includes primers and probe, is then added to the reaction mix before amplification. Signal derived from the Internal Control DNA confirms the success of the extraction step. qPCR Extraction Control also monitors co-purification of PCR inhibitors that may cause biased or false amplification patterns.

Applications

• Pathogen detection
• Cancer risk assessment
• Gene expression analysis
• Copy number variation (CNV) analysis
• Genotyping
• Viral loading