ABSTRACT
Minute DNA samples are a feature of several areas of genetic testing including forensics, the study of ancient DNA, analysis of microdissected tissue, and certain forms of prenatal diagnosis. The use of small amounts of DNA limits the number of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based analyses that can be carried out. In the most extreme cases, such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), where just one cell is available for testing, only a single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification can be performed per sample.1 Genetic investigations may also be limited in cases where the DNA sample is unique and cannot be replenished, for example, when samples were obtained from deceased individuals or from small biopsies taken during surgical procedures.
