A PCR assay is performed, and the results are being analyzed. The positive control has a band at the expected size; the negative template control has a band at the same size as the positive control; the contamination control has no band; and the amplification control has a band of expected size. All of the patient samples that were run had a band the same size as the band seen in the positive and negative template control wells. How are these results interpreted?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The negative template control should not have a band, indicating that there was no contamination of the negative control with the template DNA. The fact that all patient samples had a band the same size as the positive and negative template controls suggests that there may have been contamination during the PCR assay, and further investigation and potential repeat of the assay may be necessary to ensure accurate results. The amplification control should have a band, as this indicates that the PCR reaction worked properly.

A PCR Assay Is Performed, and the Results Are Being