PCR or Southern? - (Nov/28/2001 )

PCR is more sensitive of course.

Hello,I would like to know if PCR is more sensitive than southern blotting about transgene detection.Anyone could tell me?thanksmichel

PCR is more sensitive, but in my experience it can be deceptive because it can give false positive results.  It can take a while to optimise the PCR method for each particular sequence you are looking for in order to reduce these false results.   In my experience a Southern is the only conclusive evidence that I'd be confident with, although doing a PCR on a sample prior to Southern blotting can save a lot of time in selecting out those samples to do the Southern on that are likely positive.  I Hope that helps.

PCR + Southern hybridization is more sensitive than PCR alone