Real-time PCR is a powerful and rapid technique for nucleic acid amplification. The accumulation of specific products in a reaction is monitored continuously during cycling. This is usually achieved by monitoring changes in fluorescence within the PCR tube. This essential manual presents a comprehensive guide to the most appropriate and up-to-date technologies and applications as well as providing an overview of the theory of this important technique. Written by recognized experts in the field this timely and authoritative volume is an essential requirement for all laboratories using PCR. Topics covered include: Real-time PCR instruments and probe chemistries, set-up, controls and validation, quantitative real-time PCR, analysis of mRNA expression, mutation detection, NASBA, application in clinical microbiology and diagnosis of infection.

Key Features:

Completely up-to-date
Internationally renown authors
Fully illustrated throughout
Comprehensive coverage of the latest RT PCR technology
Explains key principles and concepts
Includes a broad range of applications
Useful index

Chapter List:

Chapter 1
An Introduction to Real-Time PCR
N.A. Saunders

Chapter 2
An Overview of Real-Time PCR Platforms
J.M.J. Logan and K.J. Edwards

Chapter 3
Homogeneous Fluorescent Chemistries for Real-Time PCR
M.A. Lee, D.J. Squirrell, D.L. Leslie, and T. Brown

Chapter 4
Performing Real-Time PCR
K.J. Edwards

Chapter 5
Internal and External Controls for Reagent Validation
M.A. Lee, D.L. Leslie and D.J. Squirrell

Chapter 6
Quantitative Real-Time PCR
N.A. Saunders

Chapter 7
Analysis of mRNA Expression by Real-Time PCR
S.A. Bustin and T. Nolan

Chapter 8
Mutation Detection by Real-Time PCR
K.J. Edwards and J.M.J Logan

Chapter 9
The Quantitative Amplification Refractory Mutation System
P. Punia and N.A. Saunders

Chapter 10
Real-Time NASBA
S. Hibbitts and J.D. Fox

Chapter 11
Applications of Real-Time PCR in Clinical Microbiology
A.D. Sails

Chapter 12
Application of Real-Time PCR to the Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Infection
N. Isik and N.A. Saunders