QF-PCR in pregnancy loss analysis

QF-PCR in pregnancy loss samples by Dr Helen White
Traditionally, karyotype analysis of pregnancy loss samples has been the gold standard method for evaluating the genetic cause of pregnancy loss. However, this approach is labour intensive, expensive, requires highly trained technical staff and is often unsuccessful due to the high tissue culture failure rate. Several alternative methodologies to karyotype analysis have been used to investigate genetic abnormalities in pregnancy loss. The QF-PCR method is one of them that is now used more widely for the analysis of pregnancy loss samples..

• Alternative technologies used to investigate genetic abnormalities in pregnancy loss.
• How QF-PCR of short tandem repeats (STR) is used in analysis of pregnancy loss samples.
• Special considerations when working with QF-PCR.