RT-PCR Testing Services
The core purpose is to reverse transcribe RNA into more stable complementary DNA. PCR is then used to exponentially amplify this cDNA, enabling detection, qualitative, and quantitative analysis.
Its core value lies in transforming a complex technology into a standardized, high-quality, and high-efficiency end product, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for users and accelerating research and project timelines.
Working Principle
RT-PCR is essentially a two-stage enzymatic reaction process designed for the qualitative or quantitative analysis of specific RNA sequences present in minute amounts.
Reverse Transcription (RT)
Translating the "Language of RNA" into the "Language of DNA"
The reverse transcription step utilizes reverse transcriptase, which uses the total RNA sample as a template. Guided by specific primers (Oligo(dT) primers to anchor the polyA tail of mRNA, or random hexamers for comprehensive capture), it catalyzes the synthesis of a complementary DNA strand, known as complementary DNA (cDNA).
Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR)
Exponential Amplification and Real-Time Monitoring of the "DNA Instructions"
The cDNA synthesized in the first stage is used as a template. Specific primers, a DNA polymerase (e.g., thermostable Taq polymerase), and a fluorescent reporting system (described below) are added to perform cyclic PCR amplification. Each cycle consists of:Denaturation、Annealing and Extension.
A reliable testing service stems from meticulous process control. Its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is visually summarized in the flowchart below, with quality checks integrated into every stage:
Advantages
Capable of detecting very low copy numbers (even single copies) of RNA and effectively discriminating between highly homologous sequences.
Provides digital results for either absolute quantification (copy number) or relative quantification (expression fold-change), far surpassing traditional qualitative methods.
The 96-well or 384-well plate format allows for the simultaneous processing of a large number of samples, ensuring rapid turnaround.
Decades of development have resulted in robust protocols that are easily standardized and scaled at the service level.
Professional RT-PCR testing services have an extremely wide range of applications, covering nearly all life science and related industries:
Gene Expression Profiling/Molecular Mechanism Exploration/Non-Coding RNA Research
Pathogen Nucleic Acid Detection/Cancer Molecular Typing and Prognosis/Genetic Disease Screening and Diagnosis/Drug Discovery and Biomarker Validation
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Detection/Animal and Plant Breeding/Animal and Plant Disease Diagnostics
Body Fluid Identification