I am attempting to set up a QC laboratory to test viral samples isolated from insects. The test will include gel electrophoresis and qPCR analysis. What I want to know is what type of water should I use in my experiments? What are the benefits to using Milli-Q or comparable ultrapure water, versus the high initial costs for the machines?
Unless you are doing mass spectrometry, you shouldn't need Milli-Q or DEPC water.
For qPCR, just make sure the water you use mentions "DNAse, RNAse free".
Unless you are doing mass spectrometry, you shouldn't need Milli-Q or DEPC water.
For qPCR, just make sure the water you use mentions "DNAse, RNAse free".
I guess there's a calculation to do here. How much PCR will you be doing? and how much does the milliQ setup cost? In other words, how long will it be until you've crossed the break-even point between buying bottles of Ultrapure vs. the initial cost of the MilliQ machine?
Sidenote on the MilliQ water: you should still autoclave it after you dispense from the machine. We've found that, over time, contaminants from the air or tubing can carry over into your water bottle and cause problems with PCR. So your set up will also require access to an autoclave (which I assume wouldn't be a problem because it's probably be item #1 on the list of things to set up for a QC lab).
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