Molecular Contamination Control

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a highly sensitive technique to amplify a single copy of DNA into millions to billions of copies of a targeted sequence. Whilst its sensitivity is advantageous it can also create a number of issues if the correct contamination control is not followed. During PCR, even the smallest amount of contaminating DNA can be amplified resulting in the wrong template amplification and causing false positive or ambiguous results. Contamination can arise from work surfaces, equipment or reagents which have been exposed to PCR products. To minimize the risk of contamination there are several preventative methods and aseptic techniques which must be carefully performed. 

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