It is now possible to perform the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) directly from whole blood samples with the new KAPA Biosystems’ blood PCR kits, available in the UK and Ireland from Anachem. For the first time, direct amplification can be performed from fresh or frozen whole blood, blood collected in EDTA tubes or on FTA elute cards (Guthrie cards) or filter paper.
The kits contain KAPA Blood DNA polymerase, a second-generation enzyme derived through a process of molecular evolution and the first DNA polymerase engineered specifically for the amplification of DNA directly from whole blood. This powerful enzyme eliminates the need for DNA extraction in genetic testing protocols for humans, other mammals and birds, as it withstands the presence of the multiple PCR inhibitors that usually affect wild-type polymerases.
The enzyme is available in two optimised, easy-to-use 2x PCR mixes, which contain all components required for whole blood PCR, except primers and template (blood). Using KAPA blood PCR kits, DNA fragments can be amplified directly from reactions containing 1–20% (v/v) whole human blood without pretreatment of blood samples or DNA isolation.