We understand that time is of the essence when detecting a potential contamination. To help you act quickly to manage an outbreak within your colony or facility, we provide TaqMan® PCR testing to identify infectious agents in your animal colonies, facility, or biologics.
Providing accurate results to you is important to us. We have constructed our facilities to prevent contamination, and designed our assays to provide the highest level of sensitivity and specificity possible.
PCR testing has many functions in research animal diagnostics, including:
Routine and quarantine health monitoring
- NEW! PCR Rodent Infectious Agent (PRIA) Panels (Mouse / Rat)
Environmental Monitoring
Confirmation testing for positive or questionable results
Research biologics (e.g., cell lines) screening:
Assay Controls to Ensure Sample and System Suitability
Our PCR assays are performed using TaqMan® technology on either a 96-well or OpenArray® platform. Positive and negative controls are run each time a TaqMan® assay is performed. In addition to verifying that PCR reagents and equipment are functioning properly, these controls generate the reference values used to interpret sample results. Sample-suitability controls are also included with the assays we perform. A Spike Control, in which a known amount of exogenous template is added to the sample and tested by a specific assay, is performed during each TaqMan® PCR test we run. A negative result for the spike assay indicates the presence of PCR inhibitors, requiring dilution or re-extraction of the sample prior to retesting. The Nucleic Acid Recovery Control (NARC), used in Viral Panel testing, is included to monitor the nucleic acid extraction procedure.
Facility Design to Prevent Contamination
Our PCR testing suites are divided so reagent preparation, sample processing, and PCR amplification occur in separate laboratories, each with dedicated equipment and overgarments; positive template preparation is performed in a separate building. The use of TaqMan® PCR allows samples to be analyzed without opening the reaction tubes, preventing the release of potentially contaminating PCR products, a common downfall associated with gel-based PCR assays.
Recommended Sample Type
Some sample types are ideal for specific viral or bacterial PCR assays. Please view our recommended sample type chart for further information.
To request IATA-compliant sample collection and shipping materials, please complete our confidential on-line Shipping Materials Request Form. For a cost estimate on your health surveillance program, please complete our Diagnostic Services Quote Form.