A blood specimen is received in the laboratory for a PCR assay to detect cytomegalovirus (a DNA virus) on a Wednesday night. The PCR assay will not be performed until the next Monday morning. How should this specimen be stored to maintain the integrity of the nucleic acid prior to analysis?

Question

Leanna Snow

Biology

1 December, 20:30

A blood specimen is received in the laboratory for a PCR assay to detect cytomegalovirus (a DNA virus) on a Wednesday night. The PCR assay will not be performed until the next Monday morning. How should this specimen be stored to maintain the integrity of the nucleic acid prior to analysis?

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Answers (1)

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Karla Maxwell · Answer 1

Centrifuge to remove RBCs and store at - 20 degrees Celsius.

Explanation:

In order to save the DNA for PCR during a later time, we need to keep the DNA at a temperature at which it will not be functional. DNA, mRNA, proteins that are to be used for a later time are usually stored at - 20 degrees Celsius. This is because at this temperature, the DNA of any organism will not be functional.