Causes and Prevention of False Results
in MDxcontinued
Molecular Diagnostics
(MDx) Review 572
CAUSES PREVENTION
Degradation of nucleic acids during processing
Degradation of nucleic acids during storage
Use of gloves when handling samples, standards, controls to protect
against nuclease degradation. RNase-free conditions for isolation of RNA
Storage at proper temp:
- Specimens: snap freeze & store at –70°C
- DNA: RT a few months or 1 yr in refrig, –20°C to –70°C for 10 yr
- RNA: –20°C few months, –70°C longer.
Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles & frost-free refrigerators. Can
damage DNA.
