Key Considerations in qPCR Assay Controls (Bulletin 3683)

This guide explains the assay controls researchers need for accurate, reproducible qPCR gene expression results. It covers DNA contamination, positive PCR, RNA quality, reverse transcription, and no-template controls, and explains why common housekeeping genes like GAPD and ACTB often make poor reference genes. It includes a step-by-step process for validating stable reference genes using PrimePCR Assays and CFX Maestro Software.

Key takeaways:

• Which controls to use and what each one tells you
• Why housekeeping genes can vary with treatment, cell type, and stress
• A six-step process to choose and validate stable reference genes