ZIKA VIRUS

There are disadvantages to nearly all other methods for library quantification. Typical alternative methods include Qubit® (spectrophotometry) or Bioanalyser®/Tapestation® (electrophoresis). Neither of these methods are for suited to high-throughput of samples, requiring laborious and error-prone manual liquid handling. Furthermore they both measure total nucleic acid concentration which is not an accurate measure of sequence-ready library. Our qPCR kit is highly specific in identifying sequence-ready library only. In addition both of these methods lack sensitivity compared to qPCR and are typically more expensive.

Inaccurate liquid handling is the most common reason for variability. We are happy to give guidance on good pipetting technique and good laboratory practice. Even simple things like ensuring that all standards are thoroughly vortexed to ensure they are correctly resuspended will help to ensure good data quality.

Upon receipt, store the kit at -20°C. When stored and handled correctly, the kit components will remain perfect for at least six months from the date of receipt. All components of the kit – are stable for more than 20 freeze/thaw cycles.

Using 4 points instead of (for example) 6 saves previous wells on every plate that you run. The primers in the kit are highly efficient ~100%. We have demonstrated (during our kit development process) that the kit works over a wide dynamic range. Therefore, it is fair to extrapolate the 4 point standard curve in both directions and still deliver highly accurate results for samples that may fall out side of the range of the standard curve.