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PCR Accessories


Q. How can HotStart simplify my RT-PCR procedure?
A. HotStart storage and reaction tubes have a adhered wax bead on the side of the tube. This lets you carry out RT-PCR in one tube by: 1) adding your RT reagents and a thermostable reverse transcriptase to the tube; 2) melting the wax and letting the RT reaction proceed; and 3) adding your PCR reagents above the wax barrier and placing the tube in a thermocycler. The wax will then melt, giving you a "hot start" with increased yield and specificity.



Q. How does PurePak packaging differ from conventional packaging?
A. Conventional bulk packaging leaves unused tubes exposed to contamination from repeated contact from the moment the pack is opened. MBP's exclusive PurePak packaging keeps PCR tubes free from contamination because each pack of 1000 tubes is divided into ten bags of 100 tubes, so you can open one bag at a time. This way the unused tubes in the pack stay protected longer and you can worry less.



Q. The wax doesn't melt completely when I use an EasyStart tube. What should I do?
A. We recommend setting the thermocycler to complete one step at your specified melting temperature (generally, 94 degrees Celcius) for a period of 1-5 minutes before you begin cycling. This ensures that the wax has a chance to melt completely before you begin cycling through cooler steps and your template will denature completely to give you better, more uniform annealing.