Non-specific signals in real-time RT-PCR for detecting respiratory viruses

Gannon C K Mak; Derek L L Hung

doi:10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2023.116163

Non-specific signals in real-time RT-PCR for detecting respiratory viruses

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2024 Mar;108(3):116163. doi: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2023.116163. Epub 2023 Dec 17.

Authors

Gannon C K Mak¹, Derek L L Hung²

Affiliations

¹ All from Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China. Electronic address: so_phls10@dh.gov.hk.
² All from Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China.

PMID: 38157637
DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2023.116163

Abstract

We describe our experiences in investigating the origin of non-specific signals during the development phase of a multiplex PCR assay for respiratory viruses. After ruling out various sources of error, eventually we discovered the non-specific signal was related to the particular lot of the PCR kit.

Keywords: Non-specific signals; PCR; Reagent lot.

MeSH terms

Humans
Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Respiratory Tract Infections* / diagnosis
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
Sensitivity and Specificity
Viruses* / genetics