NG PCR Controls

NG PCR controls are essential for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of PCR assays used to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea. Below is a detailed overview of the key controls used in NG PCR testing:

  • Positive Control:
    • Purpose: Confirms that the PCR assay can effectively detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA.
    • Content: Contains a known quantity of N. gonorrhoeae DNA or synthetic DNA sequences corresponding to the target regions of the N. gonorrhoeae genome.
    • Procedure: This control is included in each PCR run to verify that the PCR reagents, primers, probes, and cycling conditions are functioning correctly. A positive result from this control confirms the assay’s capability to detect N. gonorrhoeae DNA, ensuring the PCR process is working as intended.
  • Negative Control:
    • Purpose: Detects contamination and prevents false positives.
    • Content: Includes all PCR reagents except the DNA template, typically using nuclease-free water or a buffer solution.
    • Procedure: This control should show no amplification. If amplification occurs, it indicates potential contamination in the reagents, equipment, or laboratory environment. Contamination detection would necessitate an investigation and potentially re-running the test to ensure accurate results.
  • Internal Control:
    • Purpose: Ensures the integrity of the sample and the efficiency of the PCR process.
    • Content: Often includes primers and probes targeting a non-Neisseria DNA sequence, such as a housekeeping gene from the sample (e.g., human RNase P) or an exogenous control DNA spiked into the sample.
    • Procedure: This control is included in each sample to confirm that sample processing, DNA extraction, and PCR amplification are functioning properly. Failure in this control suggests issues with sample quality, DNA extraction, or PCR conditions, which could compromise the test's reliability.
  • Extraction Control:
    • Purpose: Verifies the effectiveness of the DNA extraction process and checks for the presence of inhibitors.
    • Content: Typically involves a known quantity of non-target DNA (such as an exogenous control) or a small amount of N. gonorrhoeae DNA.
    • Procedure: This control undergoes the same DNA extraction process as the test samples, ensuring that the extraction yields DNA of sufficient quality for PCR. If the extraction control fails, it may indicate problems such as incomplete lysis, degradation of DNA, or the presence of inhibitors that could interfere with PCR amplification.
  • Blank Control:
    • Purpose: Ensures that the PCR setup environment is free from contamination.
    • Content: Comprises the complete PCR mix without any DNA template.
    • Procedure: This control should not produce any amplification. Detection of any signal in the blank control suggests contamination during the PCR setup, requiring decontamination of the workspace and potentially repeating the test to avoid false-positive results.
  • Standard Curve Control (for Quantitative PCR):
    • Purpose: Assesses the quantitative accuracy and efficiency of the PCR assay.
    • Content: A series of known concentrations of N. gonorrhoeae DNA.
    • Procedure: Used in quantitative PCR (qPCR) to create a standard curve, which is then used to quantify the amount of N. gonorrhoeae DNA in the test samples. Proper calibration of the standard curve is essential for accurate determination of bacterial load in clinical samples.