A simple method for the measurement of sjTREC levels in blood

We have developed a relatively rapid, safe and simple method for the quanti fication of sjTREC levels in samples of peripheral blood. The assay uses an image analysis package to measure the brightness of PCR product bands on a n image of the standard agarose gel. Comparison of the brightness of the ba nd with that obtained from a standard curve provides a read-out of the amou nt of sjTRECs in the sample. We have compared the sjTREC levels we obtained with this method with those obtained from real time analysis PCR using a L ightcycler and found that they are comparable. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ir eland Ltd. All rights reserved.