Use of a synthetic oligonucleotide to detect false positives caused by cross-contamination in nested PCR

Abstract

Nested PCR is a useful tool for identifying low-abundance target sequences of pathogens and avoiding false negatives. However, it carries an increased risk of cross-contamination, especially with its positive control. Here, we propose using customized synthetic oligonucleotides to detect false positives due to cross-contamination.

Keywords: Bartonella henselae; Contamination detection; False-positive; Molecular diagnostics; Nested PCR; Oligonucleotide.