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Quantitative RT-PCR: Pitfalls and Potential

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Freeman, Willard M., Walker, Stephen J., Vrana, Kent E.·1999·BioTechniques

Abstract

Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) represents a sensitive and powerful tool for analyzing RNA. While it has tremendous potential for quantitative applications, a comprehensive knowledge of its technical aspects is required. Successful quantitative RT-PCR involves correction for experimental variations in individual RT and PCR efficiencies. This review addresses the mathematics of RT-PCR, choice of RNA standards (internal vs. external) and quantification strategies (competitive, noncompetitive and kinetic [real-time] amplification). Finally, the discussion turns to practical considerations in experimental design. It is hoped that this review will be appropriate for those undertaking these experiments for the first time or wishing to improve (or validate) a technique in what is frequently a confusing and contradictory field.

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Metadata

Authors
Freeman, W. M., Walker, S. J., & Vrana, K. E.
Venue
BioTechniques
Published
1999-01
Volume
26
Issue
1
Pages
112-125
ISSN
  • 0736-6205 (ISSN-L)
  • 1940-9818
OpenAlex
W1569955072
Cited by
1,147
References
0
FWCI
21.86
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
gold

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CoChat. (2026). Citation check: Quantitative RT-PCR: Pitfalls and Potential. https://app.cochat.ai/papers/10.2144/99261rv01
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Freeman, W. M., Walker, S. J., & Vrana, K. E. (1999). Quantitative RT-PCR: Pitfalls and Potential. BioTechniques. https://doi.org/10.2144/99261rv01

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