UCP Multiplex PCR Kit (500)

QIAGEN's UCP Multiplex PCR Kit provides a convenient format for highly sensitive and specific multiplex hot-start PCR using any DNA or cDNA template. The kit is produced under Ultra-Clean Production (UCP) standards, with dedicated processes implemented to deplete potential DNA background to a minimum. Combined with superior inhibitor resistance and minimized GC bias, it is an ideal choice for microbiome applications such as 16S or 18S amplification.

The kit includes a ready-to-use 4x concentrated master mix containing DNA polymerase, PCR buffer and dNTPs. At low temperatures the DNA polymerase is kept inactive by an antibody and a novel guard additive, providing hot-start stringency and preventing enzymatic activity at ambient temperatures until heat activation at 95°C. The 4x format allows greater flexibility for template input volumes compared with common 2x master mixes. Optional visual pipetting controls are provided: an orange UCP Master Mix Tracer (125x concentrate) and a blue UCP Template Tracer (25x concentrate). When blue-coloured template is added to the orange master mix the colour changes to green, confirming sample addition. On a 1% agarose gel the orange dye runs at approximately 50 bp and the blue dye at approximately 4000 bp. Reactions can be loaded directly onto agarose gels after cycling. PCR-grade UCP Water is also included.

The kit supports fast cycling and room-temperature stability during and after reaction setup, and is suited to multiplex target detection, gene panel amplification, microbiome studies, microbial testing, metagenome analysis and sequencing, quality control, genotyping and genetic testing workflows. The protocol is optimised for 0.1 pg–1 μg of total DNA with a recommended final primer concentration of 0.25 µM, and up to 20 targets or more can be discriminated. The kit is shipped on dry ice and stored at –15 to –30°C; the UCP Multiplex PCR Master Mix can also be stored at 2–8°C for up to 6 months. Each lot is tested against predetermined specifications under QIAGEN's ISO-certified Quality Management System. The product is intended for molecular biology applications and is not intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of a disease.