NG PCR  Controls

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) PCR controls are critical reagents used within PCR assays to detect and quantify NG DNA from clinical specimens. These controls validate each stage of the PCR workflow—from nucleic acid extraction through amplification and detection—ensuring assay accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and reliability.

Content of NG PCR Controls

• Internal Controls (IC) and Inhibition Controls:
  • Include non-target DNA sequences or exogenous control templates added to each PCR reaction.
  • Amplify concurrently using a separate set of primers and probes in a multiplex format, without interfering with the NG target detection.
• Extraction Controls:
  • Introduced into samples prior to nucleic acid extraction, these controls contain a defined amount of NG DNA or a surrogate sequence.
  • Evaluate the efficiency and consistency of the DNA extraction procedure, ensuring that NG DNA is reliably recovered from various specimen types (e.g., urogenital swabs, urine).

Application of NG PCR Controls

• Inhibition Detection and Correction:
  • The internal control helps identify PCR inhibitors, ensuring that negative results for NG are not due to technical failure.
  • Upon detecting inhibition, corrective actions—such as modifying extraction protocols, using inhibitor-resistant enzymes, or diluting samples—are implemented to achieve reliable amplification.
• Regulatory Compliance and Standardization:
  • Use of well-characterized NG PCR controls complies with regulatory guidelines and accreditation standards, supporting laboratory quality assurance and consistent diagnostic performance.
  • Routine incorporation of these controls standardizes testing procedures, enhances reproducibility, and ensures high-quality diagnostics critical for patient care and public health surveillance.

NG PCR controls—including positive, negative, internal, and extraction controls—are fundamental to the precision and dependability of PCR assays targeting Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA.