In September 2010, ViraCor Laboratories has merged with IBT Laboratories to form Viracor-IBT Laboratories, Inc. This new entity specializes in bringing innovative diagnostics to physicians treating immunocompromised patients. ViraCor has developed proficiency with highly automated Real Time quantitative PCR. The Real Time PCR technique allows the simultaneous amplification and detection of the target. The accumulated PCR product is detected by monitoring changes in fluorescence emission from the dye-labeled TaqMan® probes. The accumulated fluorescence PCR product is generated in optically clear PCR tubes. The use of closed, optically clear tubes allows fluorescent signal that is generated in solution, to be measured directly. Since there is no need to open tubes for post-PCR handling steps, the risk of contamination is minimized. Real Time PCR also eliminates the subjectivity that plagues manual detection methods, such as gel electrophoresis.
