DNAcontrols

DNAcontrols is a term used in molecular biology to describe control materials and reference standards employed to validate and quantify DNA-based assays. The concept encompasses materials that indicate assay performance, detect contamination, and provide a basis for normalization across experiments. DNAcontrols can take several forms, including positive controls (known DNA templates that produce expected signals), negative controls (no-template controls to reveal contamination), internal controls (stable DNA sequences added to each reaction to monitor efficiency), and external controls or spike-ins (distinct DNA sequences added before processing).

Applications include polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR), digital PCR, and DNA sequencing library preparation. In qPCR and digital PCR, DNAcontrols help assess amplification efficiency and quantification accuracy; in sequencing workflows, synthetic DNA standards or spike-ins enable calibration of library preparation, sequencing depth, and data normalization.

DNAcontrols often rely on synthetic DNA fragments, plasmid constructs, or genomic DNA, chosen to mimic the target region and to avoid interference with the sample. They can be commercial references, certified reference materials, or laboratory-prepared materials. Proper use requires careful design to match GC content, amplicon length, and sequence context of the target assay.

Quality assurance relies on documentation of lot information, storage conditions, and performance metrics. Controls should cover the intended dynamic range and be validated for each assay. Limitations include potential differences from real samples, contamination risk, and the need for appropriate discard or decontamination procedures.

See also: PCR controls, qPCR, sequencing controls, reference materials, spike-in controls.