Direct PCR from Whole Blood

Researchers often purify DNA from blood samples prior to performing PCR because it is believed that blood constituents and the reagents commonly used to preserve blood samples (e.g., anticoagulants) interfere with PCR. In order to save the time and expense required for template purification, several methods have been reported for direct PCR of blood samples. These include microwave irradiation, hydrogen peroxide treatment, and boiling in NaOH. Here, we report PCR amplification results using the FailSafe PCR System to amplify several human genes from unpurified DNA in untreated whole human blood and in whole blood stored for up to six months at +4°C, -20°C, or -70°C in the presence of the commonly-used anticoagulants sodium or lithium heparin, sodium citrate, and EDTA.