PIPETTES & PCR

There are various types of PCR methods and techniques PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) by its very nature means that precautions need taking at all levels of work.

Rnase Free Water

 

Our page on pipette cleaning provides a good insight into the best methods for cleaning a pipette to avoid contamination.

 

We have dedicated this page, however to prevention and although this is not strictly relate to pipette calibration it will provide some extra security for the integrity of test results.


Sample Contamination is the main problem with the PCR reaction, whether this is standard PCR, Real Time PCR, or Reverse Transcriptase PCR (rtpcr) the issues and methods to avoid incorrect sequencing is the same.

Filter Tips

Maintain separate sets of glassware, plastic ware, reagents, electrophoresis equipment, pipettes, etc
Use small aliquots of solutions
- Clean equipment regularly
- Handle chemicals with disposable and "Clean" spatulas/spoons.
-Remove Rnase's from glassware by baking or soak in DEPC (water or ethanol) and autoclave .
-Use "Clean" tips and tubes.
-Use "Clean" forceps to transfer items from rack to racks, or tube to tube.
-Use new gloves from a clean box at all times.
-Don't touch work surfaces or extraneous equipment.

-When pipetting use sterile and "Clean Filter tips

-Use micro-volume pipettes with filter tip cones

-Use Rnase Free Water

 

If your test results do not appear as expected, then contamination may well be the culprit. We suggest you check all elements of the procedure including any electrophoresis steps as well.