Real-time PCR, an essential guide

Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) is a powerful and rapid technique for nucleic acid amplification. The accumulation of specific products in a reaction is monitored continuously during cycling. This is usually achieved by monitoring changes in fluorescence within the PCR tube. This essential manual presents a comprehensive guide to the most appropriate and up-to-date technologies and applications as well as providing an overview of the theory of this important technique. Written by recognized experts in the field this timely and authoritative volume is an essential requirement for all laboratories using PCR. Topics covered include: Real-time PCR instruments and probe chemistries, set-up, controls and validation, quantitative real-time PCR, analysis of mRNA expression, mutation detection, NASBA, application in clinical microbiology and diagnosis of infection.

1. An Introduction To Real-Time PCR. 2. An Overview of Real-Time PCR Platforms. 3. Homogeneous Fluorescent Chemistries for Real-Time PCR. 4. Performing Real-Time PCR. 5. Internal and External Controls for Reagent Validation. 6. Quantitative Real-Time PCR. 7. Analysis of mRNA Expression by Real-Time PCR. 8. The Quantitative Amplification Refractory Mutation System. 10. Real-Time NASBA. 11. Applications of Real-Time PCR in Clinical Microbiology. 12. Application of Real-Time PCR to the Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Infection.

This essential manual presents a comprehensive guide to the most appropriate and up-to-date technologies and applications as well as providing an overview of the theory of this important technique.