Amplifying and analysing dna or rna samples using pcr or qpcr in life sciences and related industries
Overview
This standard covers the skills you need to amplify DNA and analyse DNA/RNA
samples using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR).
You must work to the relevant standard operating procedures, legislation and
organisational policy.
You must carry out all the necessary preparations which will include preparing the
work area so that it is a safe condition to carry out the procedure and ensuring that
reagents, materials, equipment and other resources that you need are available and
in a safe and useable condition. After the procedure you must dispose of any waste
appropriately, leave your work area in an acceptable condition and complete all the
necessary paperwork and documentation.
Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of your work
including the approach to drawing blood specimens and dealing with any problems.
1.
Who this standard is for
The standard is recommended for more experienced laboratory staff possibly
staff who are about to complete an apprenticeship.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 ensure that your work is carried out in accordance with workplace procedures
to protect yourself and others
P2 ensure that all equipment and materials are prepared and ready for operation
P3 ensure that all reagents are stored correctly and are maintained at the correct
temperature during use
P4 prepare and load samples/specimens and run the procedure/programs
correctly
P5 record and evaluate data using the workplace information system
P6 dispose of spent materials in accordance with standard operating procedure
and laboratory instructions
P7 communicate the required information about the work done, to authorised
people, in accordance with departmental and organisational procedures
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 the health and safety requirements of the area in which you are carrying out
the activities
K2 the standard operating procedures, as set down in local laboratory manuals
K3 the limits of your own authority and to whom you should report if you have
problems that you cannot resolve
K4 the minimum size/volume/DNA concentration of laboratory sample required for
the PCR amplifications/investigations
K5 the range of samples amplified/analysed, the containers used for sample
storage and PCR amplification/analysis and other essential resources needed
for each investigation
K6 the importance of keeping the work area clean and tidy, and of avoiding cross
contamination of samples
K7 the main features of the PCR thermocycler/analyser and the underlying action
of the reagents involved in the reaction mixture
K8 the various PCR thermocycler/analyser operations that can be performed and
the methods and reaction mixtures used
K9 the manufacturer’s instructions for changing programs and maintenance items
in the thermal cycler
K10 how to interpret the cycler visual display and understand the various messages
displayed
K11 the typical thermal cycler faults, and the actions to be taken if they occur
K12 the procedures to be followed when dealing with broken or leaking samples
and disposing of harmful chemicals and contaminated equipment