Abstract

qPCR in the Eyes of Europe’s No. 1. Commercial Service Supplier; Challenges and Innovative Solutions

Jens Bjorkman, CSO Manager, TATAA Biocenter AB

Since the publication of the MIQE (Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments) guidelines in 2009 users’ awareness and clients’ requests of quality control (QC) in qPCR has increased. To comply with MIQE professional providers of qPCR services and contract research emphasize the different aspects of quality control in their offerings. TATAA Biocenter co-authored the MIQE- guidelines. TATAA is also partner in the SPIDIA consortium (www.spidia.org), member of the workgroup drafting the forthcoming ISO guidelines for the preanalytical steps in molecular diagnostics, and is certified according to ISO 17025. TATAA early identified the need for quality control in qPCR and have during the last 5 years focused on developing methods and tools to asses sample, assay and performance quality parameters. By implementing a stricter QC-workflow in projects many of the unaddressed and “uncomfortable” problems that may arise are identified in standardized approaches. This has proven most useful and has contributed to the recognized quality of the TATAA deliverables. In my talk I will describe some of our research into this field and provide real-life examples on how quality assurance protocols and strategies in qPCR workflow improve the performance and reliability of results.