Real-Time Quantitative PCR, Pathogen Detection and MIQE

• DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60327-353-4_1
• Publication Date: 2012-11-30T19:47:23Z
• Authors: Gemma Johnson; Tania Nolan; Stephen A. Bustin
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; Quality Control; 0303 health sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; Internet; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Humans; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; 3. Good health

Nucleic acids are the ultimate biomarker and real-time PCR (qPCR) is firmly established as the method of choice for nucleic acid detection. Together, they allow the accurate, sensitive and specific identification of pathogens, and the use of qPCR has become routine in diagnostic laboratories. The reliability of qPCR-based assays relies on a combination of optimal sample selection, assay design and validation as well as appropriate data analysis and the "Minimal Information for the Publication of real-time PCR" (MIQE) guidelines aim to improve both the reliability of assay design as well as the transparency of reporting, essential conditions if qPCR is to remain the benchmark technology for molecular diagnosis.