Learn About What Goes Into PCR Lab Setups

In this video, Dr. Cath Arnold of the Health Protection Agency discusses Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) lab setups.

PCR is an affordable and fast way to copy pieces of DNA. This is also referred to as molecular photocopying. However, molecular and genetic analyses require large amounts of DNA samples.

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As a result, the analyses would not be possible without duplication of PCR.

PCR lab setups must occur the right way because it is essential to avoid contamination. It is possible to avoid this. You must set up your PCR lab to avoid contamination from happening. The aerosolizaton of an amplified PCR product is the largest source of contamination in a lab. Anytime you open a PCR product, it aerosolizes a small amount of the PCR product. There are quite a few ways that you can prevent aerosol contamination.

In addition, there are a number of lab practices that you can follow to ensure that you avoid amplicon aerosols. These practices include clean gloves, filtered water, require bleach, and not sharing equipment. For more information about PCR lab setups, please watch the video.