qPCR is extensively used in diagnostic testing, from pathogen detection to cancer prognosis, and new studies using qPCR are published at an ever-increasing rate. The consensus guideline, the first of its kind for this technique, provides a minimum set of information that researchers must provide in order for their qPCR data to be considered for publication. The goal is to increase the transparency and quality of studies, so that experiments using qPCR can be accurately reproduced by others, and the scientific community can assess the quality and validity of those studies more readily.

Authors of this guideline, including Professor Stephen A Bustin at the Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Queen Mary, University of London, recognized that there was a widespread problem in how qPCR data were reported and interpreted. “The majority of published qPCR studies do not provide sufficient experimental detail, and scientists reading them have a hard time deciding if the conclusions are valid. For instance, this has contributed to the erroneous reporting of the association between child MMR vaccination and autism," said Dr Bustin. When analyzed correctly, the results proved to be due to poorly implemented experimental technique. Another example is a study on plant genetics that was published in the journal Science as the “breakthrough of the year" in 2005. Two years later, this study had to be retracted because of poorly implemented qPCR.

The guideline includes a checklist of essential and desirable steps that should be followed when using qPCR. If followed appropriately, authors should be able to design and report qPCR experiments with greater inherent value, and journal reviewers, editors, and laboratory managers will be able to evaluate the technical quality of the published data against an established yardstick. Most importantly, adherence to this guideline should facilitate the publication of results that will be factually reliable.

“This guideline will enhance quality and reliability of published results, thus spurring the development of new qPCR based molecular diagnostic tests." commented co-author Dr. Mikael Kubista, head of R&D at TATAA Biocenter, Sweden, and head of the gene expression laboratory at the Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences.

“This guideline was created by scientists from five countries who are very knowledgeable in qPCR. The guideline should help us evaluate future qPCR studies that are submitted to our journal," remarked Dr. Nader Rifai, editor of the journal Clinical Chemistry which will publish this guideline in its April, 2009 issue. Full access to the guideline is available online at: www.clinchem.org/cgi/content/full/55/4/611

BACKGROUND

About quantitative PCR (qPCR):

qPCR is an extension of the polymerase chain reaction invented in 1986 by Kary Mullis, which revolutionized biological research and resulted in him receiving the 1993 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. qPCR allows accurate measurement of DNA by turning a single copy of DNA into millions of copies in less than an hour, and its simplicity has made this technique a quintessential method for scientific research, medical and forensic analysis, as well as for biodefense and food safety applications.

More about the guideline and related information:
1. S.A. Bustin, V. Benes, J.A. Garson, J. Hellemans, J. Huggett, M. Kubista, R. Mueller, T. Nolan, M.W. Pfaffl, G.F. Shipley, J. Vandesompele, and C.T. Wittwer, The MIQE Guidelines: Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments. Clinical Chemistry 55 (2009) 609-620. http://www.clinchem.org/cgi/content/full/55/4/611 (full text)

2. http://www.rdml.org/miqe

3. Minimum Information for Biological and Biomedical Investigations (www.mibbi.org)

About AACC:
The American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) is a leading professional society dedicated to improving healthcare through laboratory medicine. Its over 9,000 members are clinical laboratory professionals, physicians, research scientists, and others involved in developing tests and directing laboratory operations. AACC brings this community together with programs that advance knowledge, expertise, and innovation. For more information about this topic, or about AACC and its programs and publications, please contact Peter Patterson on the above telephone numbers or at ppatterson@aacc.org.

About TATAA Biocenter:
TATAA Biocenter with locations in Gothenburg, Sweden, Prague, Czech Republic, Freising, Germany, and Sunnyvale, CA, is leading global provider of real-time PCR services. TATAA Biocenter organizes hands-on training in real-time PCR, and conducts research and development in molecular diagnostics and gene expression profiling for industry and the public sector. For course schedule and further information about TATAA Biocenter, see www.tataa.com