REAL-TIME QUANTITATIVE PCR

We have developed a novel ''real time'' quantitative PCR method. The m ethod measures PCR product accumulation through a dual-labeled fluorog enic probe (i.e., TaqMan Probe). This method provides very accurate an d reproducible quantitation of gene copies. Unlike other quantitative PCR methods, real-time PCR does not require post-PCR sample handling, preventing potential PCR product carry-over contamination and resultin g in much Faster and higher throughput assays. The real-time PCR metho d has a very large dynamic range of starting target molecule determina tion (at least five orders of magnitude). Real-time quantitative PCR i s extremely accurate and less labor-intensive than current quantitativ e PCR methods.