EXPERIMENTAL-DESIGN - A USEFUL TOOL FOR PCR OPTIMIZATION

Because of complex interactions among the components of PCR and the wi de and increasing variety of applications in which this technique is u sed, optimization is necessary for every reaction. Here we describe th e use of experimental design techniques (2(k) fractional factorial des ign and central composite design) to attain easier, quicker and cheape r PCR optimization of DNA from blood spots. By determining the factors affecting the product yield first (factors screening), the quantity o f template DNA needed for PCR and the Mg2+ concentration are easily op timized (factors optimization).