Physical Structure and Layout of PCR Diagnostic Laboratory

• RNA degradation is a common reason for failing detection of viruses.
• RNA is prone to digestion by a wide variety of endogenous and exogenous RNases.
• These RNases are present on almost all objects that come into contact with human skin and are difficult to inactivate.
• Even minute amounts are sufficient to destroy RNA.
• Some precautions can make the difference between an intact and degraded RNA prep and therefore between successful and unsuccessful detection of viruses.