Simple Technique for Internal Control of Real-Time Amplification Assays
Open Access
- 1 May 2004
- journal article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Clinical Chemistry
- Vol. 50 (5), 819-825
- https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2003.027961
Abstract
Background: In real-time PCR assays, the most accurate way to identify false-negative results, e.g., those caused by PCR inhibitors, is to add to samples an internal control that will be coamplified with the target (e.g., pathogen) DNA. Current internal control procedures, however, which usually involve the introduction of a DNA fragment, are complex, time-consuming, and expensive. Methods: Single-stranded oligonucleotides, which contain little more than primer and probe binding sites, were used as internal controls in real-time PCR assays. Mismatches were included in the probe-binding region of the internal control oligonucleotide (ICO) to prevent probe–control hybridization during the fluorescence acquisition step of the PCR. Amplified ICOs were detected by melting point analysis. ICOs could be added directly to the sample material before DNA extraction. Results: To demonstrate the feasibility of the new approach, we designed ICOs for the LightCycler hybridization probe assays for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, hepatitis B virus, herpes simplex virus, and varicella zoster virus. In each case, the controls did not interfere with detection of the pathogen, but were clearly detectable during a subsequent melting point analysis. Conclusions: A single-stranded oligonucleotide that mimics the target region of the pathogen but is clearly distinguishable from the target during melting point analysis can serve as a simple, cost-effective internal control for real-time amplification assays. Such control oligonucleotides are easy to design and inexpensive. A costly second probe system is not necessary. Moreover, the internally controlled assay uses only one fluorescence detection channel of the instrument, leaving the second channel free for multiplex applications.Keywords
This publication has 14 references indexed in Scilit:
- Description of a multiplex Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis LightCycler® PCR assay with inhibition controlDiagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, 2003
- A convenient approach to the generation of multiple internal control DNA for a panel of real-time PCR assaysJournal of Virological Methods, 2003
- Parallel detection of five human herpes virus DNAs by a set of real-time polymerase chain reactions in a single runJournal of Clinical Virology, 2002
- Molecular approaches to validate disinfectants against human hepatitis B virusMedical Microbiology and Immunology, 2002
- Multiplex PCR by multicolor fluorimetry and fluorescence melting curve analysisNature Medicine, 2001
- Purification and Characterization of PCR-Inhibitory Components in Blood CellsJournal of Clinical Microbiology, 2001
- Evaluation of a new PCR assay with competitive internal control sequence for blood donor screeningTransfusion, 2000
- Continuous Fluorescence Monitoring of Rapid Cycle DNA AmplificationBioTechniques, 1997
- The LightCyclerTM: A Microvolume Multisample Fluorimeter with Rapid Temperature ControlBioTechniques, 1997
- Technical Aspects of Quantitative Competitive PCRBioTechniques, 1996