Back to Molecular Biology

To complement our qualitative PCR assays, we offer quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) assays that use the TaqMan® PCR, or 5’ nuclease PCR technology, to enumerate the number of copies of the target sequence in the test sample. Included in the PCR reaction is a fluorogenic-labeled sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe that anneals between the forward and reverse primers on the DNA. The probe, which is dual labeled with a reporter dye and a quencher dye, is cleaved by the nuclease activity of the Taq polymerase. The cleavage of the probe separates the reporter and quencher dyes and generates an increase in the reporter’s fluorescence intensity. The ABI PRISM® Sequence Detector System monitors the fluorescence intensity as a function of cycle number. These assays can be used to enumerate viral copy numbers or as complementary assays to viral clearance titration studies. Qualification assays, to determine test article interference with assay performance, can be performed before the quantitative assays.

Each Q-PCR study has multiple assay controls to confirm the optimal performance of the assay and to confirm the absence of reagent contamination and PCR inhibitors, thereby ensuring that reproducibility, sensitivity, and accuracy are achieved.

BioReliance offers Q-PCR assays for a variety of applications, such as the following:

• Detection or quantification of DNA or RNA viruses in cell banks and bulk harvest material
• Complementary assays to our viral clearance infectivity studies
• Alternative to electron microscopy particle counting in unprocessed bulk or other types of material
• Detection of residual host cell DNA in bulk product