title: Quantitative stability of DNA after extended storage of clinical specimens as determined by real-time PCR.
abstract: Viral DNA stored for extended periods can be amplified by PCR. However, it is unknown whether stored specimens give accurate quantitative results by newer real-time PCR techniques. We therefore compared herpes simplex virus DNA levels in specimens before and after 16 months of storage. The levels of viral DNA remained stable whether the DNA was stored as purified DNA or unextracted DNA in a whole specimen.
authors.affiliation: Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
authors.forename: Keith R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Jerome
authors.forename: Meei-Li
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wald
authors.forename: Stacy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Selke
authors.forename: Lawrence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Corey
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000821:virology; D000328:Adult; D001483:Base Sequence; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics*; D004355:Drug Stability; D004356:Drug Storage; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000150:complications / Q000821:virology; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D017931:DNA Primers; D004279:DNA, Viral