Setting up a PCR laboratory.

The entire procedure can be performed in a single room if proper precautions are taken. The following practices will diminish the potential for contamination. Each area should have dedicated supplies and reagents. Color coding of reagents and supplies identifies those that belong to a particular area. Reagents, supplies and equipment should never be taken from one area to another; three sets of pipettors are therefore essential. The workflow must be unidirectional from “ clean” (pre-PCR) to “ dirty” (post-PCR). Dedicated labcoats and gloves should be worn at each worksite; when moving to a new area, workers should put on new gloves and labcoats.