Viability PCR Starter Kits

Note: Do not remove the cover or introduce liquids to the interior of the PMA-Lite.

1. Thoroughly wipe all exposed PMA-Lite surfaces and the inner rims of the tube holes with 10% bleach in water (household bleach diluted at a ratio of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water).
2. Let the bleach sit on the unit for 10 minutes.
3. Thoroughly wipe the surfaces with dH2O.
4. Wipe the surfaces with 70% ethanol and allow to air dry.

The LEDs in the PMA-Lite™ and PMA-Lite™ 2.0 have a wavelength that is 465-475 nm and a brightness of approximately 600-800 millicandela (mcd). These are nominal values provided for reference use only, individual LED wavelength and brightness are not a calibrated specifications for the device.

There are three LEDs in each well (one bottom, two side) that provide illumination around each sample tube for efficient photoactivation.

The illumination in each well on the PMA-Lite  far exceeds what is required for photocrosslinking of the viability dyes EMA, PMA, or PMAxx™ to nucleic acids. Therefore, any variability in brightness of the PMA-Lite LEDs should not significantly affect the v-PCR results. If performance verification is required, we recommend doing a functional PMA-PCR assay to verify that PMA-treated samples photoactivated in the device give qPCR results within an acceptable range. Mixing the samples during photoactivation and using longer illumination times may be necessary if the samples are complex and not fully transparent to light.

For other related FAQs, see Is illumination even across all positions in the PMA-Lite™ device? and Can I use PMA or PMAxx™ with environmental samples?

PMA is stable after dilution to 0.2 mM in water as long as it is protected from light and can be stored in the same way as the 20 mM stock solution.