Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is a powerful and highly sensitive method of amplifying genetic material, with applications ranging from diagnostics and forensics to research. However, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of your qPCR experiments can be challenging — even the smallest amount of contamination or failure to adhere strictly to liquid handling best practices can substantially impact your results. So, what can you do to maximize your chances of delivering highly accurate qPCR results, time after time? In this article, we share our top 5 tips for qPCR success.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or “forever chemicals”, are highly stable materials used in a variety of household products, industries, and processes. These chemicals can pose several health risks to living organisms and contaminate the environment. In this article, we elaborate on the above along with how automated solid phase extraction can be used to isolate PFAS from numerous matrices including water, soil, air (dust), and food such as seafood and eggs.

Sample integrity is vital for accurate, trustworthy results and it can be affected by all stages of liquid handling, from pipetting to transport. Taking actions to improve pipetting and pipette storage, the lab environment, and sample storage and transport can protect your sample integrity and give you trustworthy results – learn more here.

Synthetic oligonucleotides (oligos) are central to many cutting-edge biochemical applications across research and therapeutics. While solid-phase synthesis typically yields oligos with relatively high purity, they usually need further purification to avoid unintended side-reactions and interferences in downstream applications. Preparative HPLC is the preferred method for small to medium length oligos (10-60 bp). To increase productivity and maximize the profitability of your oligo research and development, finding the optimal LC purification platform is crucial.

Oligonucleotides are core components of many molecular biology tools available today, including antisense gene therapy and primers for qPCR. Depending on the application, highly pure oligos are typically required, or experiments lack reproducibility — and for applications such as therapeutics, the consequences can be dire. To ensure that oligos are at the desired level of purity for their application, you need to use effective purification techniques. HPLC is one of the most effective and versatile approaches available for oligo purification, and in this article, we cover five tips to help improve your HPLC workflow to help you achieve highly pure oligos every time.

In this article, we provide an overview of GPC and how it’s used for post-extraction cleanup including: how GPC works, the components of a GPC system, and a step-by-step look into the GPC process

In this case study, learn how one molecular biology and genomics lab is saving time, improving data traceability, and standardizing protocols by using the TRACKMAN Connected pipetting system.

Pipetting insights and digital records of your protocols are at your fingertips with TRACKMAN® Connected, a tablet with accessories and apps that makes pipetting on microplates faster, with greater traceability and reproducibility.

Dr. Ed Campbell is a molecular virologist at Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine whose research focuses on molecular mechanisms of viral infection and inflammation. Recently, he has taken on a new role as founder of SafeGuard Surveillance, a company running COVID-19 surveillance testing for school districts in the suburban Chicago area.

Here, we discuss SHIELD T3, an organization founded by the University of Illinois to help expand the use of the I-COVID test. We describe their testing method and how Gilson liquid handling products are used to facilitate the workflow.