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Genome Copying Errors

Genome Copying Errors

DNA replication is a well-evolved process that copies millions of base pairs with high fidelity during each cell division. Occasionally a wrong base or a long stretch of wrong bases may get added to the daughter strands. If the errors are left unchecked, cells might accumulate several mutations that might endanger their survival. Therefore, the copying errors are checked and repaired at three levels.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 20, 2025

A Blood-based Test for the Detection of ROS1 and RET Fusion Transcripts from Circulating Ribonucleic Acid Using Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction

A Blood-based Test for the Detection of ROS1 and RET Fusion Transcripts from Circulating Ribonucleic Acid Using Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction

Published on: April 5, 2018

Laboratory-Generated DNA Can Cause Anomalous Pathogen Diagnostic Test Results.

Lindsey R Robinson-McCarthy¹, Alexander J Mijalis¹, Gabriel T Filsinger²

¹Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical Schoolgrid.471403.5, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Microbiology Spectrum

|September 15, 2021

Summary

Research labs experienced false positive COVID-19 tests due to contamination from SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids used in diagnostic development. This highlights the need for careful stewardship of research materials to ensure accurate diagnostic testing and prevent disruptions.

Keywords:

COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics nucleic acids

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Last Updated: Oct 20, 2025

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Published on: April 5, 2018

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Published on: August 20, 2018

Area of Science:

Molecular diagnostics
Infectious disease research
Laboratory safety

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred rapid development and use of molecular diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2.
Laboratories shifted focus to SARS-CoV-2 research, increasing production of viral nucleic acids.
Contamination from research-generated nucleic acids can lead to inaccurate diagnostic results.

Purpose of the Study:

To report instances of researchers testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 due to laboratory contamination.
To emphasize the importance of stewardship over nucleic acids in diagnostic settings.
To caution against potential impacts on public health resources and workplace safety.

Main Methods:

Observation of false positive SARS-CoV-2 test results in researchers at two institutes.
Identification of contamination by research-generated SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids.
Analysis of exposure routes, including contaminated surfaces.

Main Results:

Fifteen researchers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on routine surveillance tests without symptoms or transmission.
Contamination was linked to nonhazardous nucleic acids from diagnostic development.
Contaminating nucleic acids were persistent and widespread within the laboratory environment.

Conclusions:

Laboratory-generated nucleic acids can cause false positive diagnostic results, impacting surveillance and research.
Increased vigilance and stewardship are crucial for managing nucleic acid contaminants in research and diagnostic settings.
These findings are particularly relevant with the rise of at-home testing and potential public impact.