PCR amplification of HIV and cellular DNA sequences in formaldehyde-fixed, immunoreactive white blood cells
Fitzgerald, L.M.; Yin, H.Z.; Kiessling, A.A.
Biotechniques 15(1): 128-133
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0736-6205 PMID: 8363828 Document Number: 419200
Full utilization of the diagnostic power of PCR amplification of specific DNA sequences has been hampered by the logistical difficulties in handling potentially infectious human DNAs and by the polymerization of nonspecific, competing DNA products in PCR assays of low-frequency DNA sequences. To overcome these difficulties, we have devised a sensitive, specific PCR strategy that readily detects 5 copies of HIV provirus in a background of 10(5) disinfected white blood cells collected from formaldehyde-fixed peripheral blood.