Essentials Of Nucleic Acid Analysis ― A Robust Approach

This guide walks DNA analysts through the steps needed to obtain good quality results in qualitative and quantitative DNA analysis. The introduction explains the six principles for ensuring valid analytical measurement formulated by the Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC). Early chapters cover the challenges of valid analytical molecular biology, quality in the analytical molecular biology lab, method validation, DNA extraction, and DNA quantification. Later chapters cover PCR and factors affecting reliability and validity, quantitative real-time PCR analysis, multiplex PCR and whole genome amplification, quality control of RNA samples for use in quantitative reverse transcription PCR, and microarrays. The authors are practitioners of the art of DNA analysis in various areas, including forensic applications, food analysis, and government laboratories, and the editors are affiliated with the LGC. Color and b&w images and diagrams are included. The book is distributed in the US by Springer-Verlag. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Dr Jacquie T Keer has a background in biochemistry and molecular biology, having done a degree at Oxford and a PhD at St Mary's Hospital Medical School. Dr Jacquie T Keer has a broad academic research background. Her areas of experience include medical microbiology, mammalian molecular genetics, protein analysis and all aspects of DNA and RNA analysis. Dr Jacquie T Keer has subsequently spent several years working in the area of applied molecular biology in support of the National Measurement System at LGC, in its role as the National Measurement Institute for chemical and biological analysis. Dr Jacquie T Keer has been responsible for managing a number of projects including, development of AFLP methods for the detection of Salmonella and VTEC, evaluation of SERRS for highly multiplexed biological assays and detection and quantification of Host Cell protein and DNA in biological products. Areas of expertise include application of real time PCR to the detection and quantification of trace level targets, and development of proficiency testing schemes for the molecular laboratory. Dr Lyndsey Birch has a background in Biochemistry, with both a degree and PhD from Liverpool. Her research work there focussed on cell cycle control and signal transduction pathways, and she has since broadened her experience to include development of novel methods for PCR analysis based on solid-phase capture systems in an in emerging biotechnology context. Dr Lyndsey Birch has subsequently spent several years working in the area of applied molecular biology in support of the National Measurement System at LGC, in its role as the National Measurement Institute for chemical and biological analysis. Areas of expertise include application of real time PCR to the detection and quantification of trace level targets, and development of proficiency testing schemes for the molecular laboratory.