Setting up a PCR laboratory

1. Introduction One of the most important attributes of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is its exquisite sensitivity. However, this high sensitivity has also given PCR its main weakness, namely, its tendency to produce false-positive results due to exogenous contamination (1,2). Contamination avoidance is therefore the single most important consideration when setting up a PCR laboratory, especially one concerned with generating diagnostic information. In many situations, precautions which are normally taken in the handling of microbiological materials are equally applicable to PCR-related procedures.