Discover practical strategies for improving the quality and consistency of your laboratory results. In these best-practice sessions, we'll explore the essential processes, equipment, and instruments that support daily scientific work, along with emerging technologies that can help you work more efficiently and accelerate progress toward meaningful discoveries.
Curated by: Thermo Fisher Scientific (34 videos)
Bleach is widely used for decontamination in molecular biology laboratories, but its impact on PCR workflows is often overlooked. In this Lab Talk episode, Thermo Fisher Scientific experts examine whether using bleach for laboratory decontamination can interfere with PCR experiments and compromise molecular biology results. The session explains how bleach, typically containing sodium hypochlorite, can negatively affect PCR by degrading DNA, causing sequence alterations, and inhibiting amplification. Viewers learn how bleach exposure can lead to partial or failed PCR profiles, false-negative results, and reduced reliability in applications such as human identification, diagnostics, and forensic testing. The discussion also highlights how bleach fumes can damage fluorescent dyes used in multiplex PCR assays and contribute to corrosion of sensitive laboratory equipment. As an alternative, the video introduces DNA Away™ and RNase Away™ surface decontaminants, which are designed to effectively remove nucleic acid contamination without corroding metal surfaces or inhibiting PCR reactions. Data and real-world examples demonstrate how these solutions support safer, faster, and more reliable decontamination practices for PCR laboratories. Chapters: 00:00 Can bleach impact PCR experiments? 01:40 How bleach degrades DNA 03:40 DNA sequence alterations and PCR inhibition 05:00 Equipment corrosion and bleach fumes 06:30 Impact on fluorescent PCR dyes 07:40 Safer alternatives to bleach for PCR labs 09:40 Key takeaways and best practices Suggested Related Videos Care & maintenance: Surface decontamination of Thermo Scientific 1500 Series A2 Biosafety Cabinets https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOdZxhvexdo Explore LERN™ (Lab Essentials Resource Network) by Thermo Fisher Scientific Access virtual product demonstrations, laboratory workflow solutions, 3D product tours, lab productivity tools, sustainability resources, and expert-led Lab Talk sessions designed to help optimize laboratory operations and accelerate scientific discovery. https://www.thermofisher.com/in/en/home/lab-solutions/lern.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com