PCR Scientific Writing & Communication 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An SOP for a validated PCR assay is revised. Which document-control practice is essential?
- Overwrite the old file so only one version exists
- Email staff about the changes without updating the document
- Assign a new version number, record the changes and effective date, and archive the previous version (Correct answer)
- Keep both versions in use so staff can choose
Correct answer: Assign a new version number, record the changes and effective date, and archive the previous version
Document control means versioning, a change history, approval, and archiving superseded versions.
Question 2: When describing replicates in a methods section, which statement is clearest?
- "Experiments were done in triplicate."
- "Samples were run several times."
- "Replicates were included as needed."
- "Three biological replicates, each with three technical qPCR replicates, were analyzed." (Correct answer)
Correct answer: "Three biological replicates, each with three technical qPCR replicates, were analyzed."
Separating biological from technical replicates and giving the number of each avoids ambiguity about n.
Question 3: A results statement reads: 'Gene X was significantly upregulated.' What should be added to make it rigorous?
- The fold change, statistical test used, p-value, and sample size (Correct answer)
- The word 'very' for emphasis
- A reference to a similar finding in another species
- The brand of thermocycler
Correct answer: The fold change, statistical test used, p-value, and sample size
Claims of significance need effect size, the test used, the p-value, and n so readers can judge them.
Question 4: Which item is required in a clinical laboratory test report under CLIA regulations (42 CFR 493.1291)?
- The name of the primer manufacturer
- The laboratory name and address where the test was performed (Correct answer)
- The Cq value of the internal control
- The technician's home phone number
Correct answer: The laboratory name and address where the test was performed
CLIA requires reports to include the patient identifier, test name, results, the laboratory's name and address, the report date, and other key elements.
Question 5: A scientific poster on a new multiplex PCR assay is being designed. Which approach communicates best?
- Paste the full manuscript text in small font
- Use only tables and no figures
- Use a clear title, short sections, key figures, and a concise take-home message (Correct answer)
- List every reagent catalog number in the main panel
Correct answer: Use a clear title, short sections, key figures, and a concise take-home message
Posters work best when they are visual and scannable, with brief text and a clear main conclusion.
Question 6: Which MIQE-recommended detail confirms primer specificity in a qPCR methods section?
- The primer synthesis company's address
- Primer purchase date
- Number of times the primers were freeze-thawed
- In silico specificity check (e.g., BLAST) plus melt curve or gel confirmation of a single product (Correct answer)
Correct answer: In silico specificity check (e.g., BLAST) plus melt curve or gel confirmation of a single product
MIQE asks for in silico specificity analysis and empirical evidence of a single specific amplicon.
Question 7: Which statement about a data availability statement is correct?
- It tells readers where and how the underlying data can be accessed, such as repository accession numbers (Correct answer)
- It is the same as the conflict-of-interest statement
- It lists the funding agencies
- It is needed only for clinical trials
Correct answer: It tells readers where and how the underlying data can be accessed, such as repository accession numbers
A data availability statement points readers to the data behind the findings, often through repository accession numbers.
