Qiagen this week launched the Investigator Quantiplex kit for quickly confirming that forensic DNA samples contain sufficient DNA for genetic fingerprinting analysis.
The kit, based on real-time PCR, quantifies human DNA in a sample and establishes whether it contains inhibitors that may interfere with downstream applications. The kit provides results in less than 50 minutes using the Rotor-Gene Q thermocycler; but it is also compatible with other instruments.
Qiagen said that results are ensured by using the appropriate target sequence and an integrated internal control that tests for successful amplification or PCR inhibition. The kit has an overall sensitivity of less than 1 pg/µL; and the procedure can be automated on the QIAgility system.
Integrated DNA Technologies said this week that it is now offering PrimeTime pre-designed qPCR assays for human, mouse, and rat transcriptomes.
According to IDT, assay users can search and select from an online database that contains thousands of assays, all of which are designed to span exons, protect against non-specific amplifications, avoid known SNPs, and minimize the impact of secondary structure.
The assays consist of two primers and a hydrolysis probe shipped in a single tube; and are guaranteed to provide greater than 90 percent efficiency, the company said.