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Related Experiment Videos

PCR: how to kill unwanted DNA.

A M Prince1, L Andrus

  • 1Laboratory of Virology and Parasitology, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, NY 10021.

Biotechniques
|March 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

Ten percent sodium hypochlorite (Clorox) effectively decontaminates Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) laboratory surfaces, eliminating DNA and RNA within one minute. This makes it a superior choice for preventing contamination compared to hydrochloric acid.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Laboratory Safety
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Contamination control is critical in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) laboratories to ensure accurate results.
  • Chemical decontamination of surfaces and equipment is essential to prevent sample contamination from hands and pipettors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy of sodium hypochlorite (Clorox) and concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl) for PCR sterilization.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of these agents in eliminating DNA and RNA templates.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated the use of 10% sodium hypochlorite (Clorox) and 2.0 N hydrochloric acid (HCl).
  • Assessed decontamination by testing for ethidium bromide-stainable DNA and PCR amplification of a 600-bp DNA segment.
  • Evaluated the impact on RNA destruction.

Main Results:

  • Ten percent Clorox eliminated all detectable DNA and prevented PCR amplification within one minute.
  • RNA was also effectively destroyed by 10% Clorox.
  • Even 2.0 N HCl failed to destroy DNA detectable by PCR within five minutes.

Conclusions:

  • Ten percent sodium hypochlorite (Clorox) is a highly effective decontaminant for eliminating DNA templates in PCR labs.
  • Clorox demonstrates superior efficacy, lower cost, and reduced corrosiveness compared to HCl for PCR sterilization.
  • Recommended for routine use in PCR laboratory decontamination protocols.

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