Inhibition
Definition
Interference with an assay by substances or conditions, distinct from loss or fragmentation of the target. An internal control can help assess relevant reaction behaviour, including possible inhibition. Inhibition concerns interference with the assay rather than simply a low amount of target.
- Context
- PCR performance
For example, a specimen component can interfere with amplification even when measurable DNA remains, so dilution or further preparation requires validated assessment.
A control result does not characterise every possible failure or contamination event. Interpret it using the validated test and specimen conditions.
Related terms
- Abasic Site
- An abasic site is a position in a nucleic-acid backbone where the nitrogenous base is missing while part of the sugar–phosphate structure...
- Biological Evidence
- Biological evidence is material of biological origin examined to address a forensic question, including tissue, fluids, hair or trace biological components. Its...
- Contact DNA
- A practical description of DNA recovered from a contact area, without proving the transfer route. It can include different biological components and...
- Fluorescence Quenching
- Reduction of detected fluorescent signal through interactions with the detection system. Antigen–antibody recognition can be linked to different detection systems. Fluorescent responses...
- Internal Amplification Control
- A target used to assess relevant reaction behaviour within an assay. Inhibition concerns interference with the assay rather than simply a low...
- MiniSTR
- An STR design reducing the amplified span where possible, with method-specific limits. Shortened STR designs can improve access to some fragmented targets,...
- Mitochondrial DNA
- DNA associated with mitochondria, with inheritance and discrimination different from standard nuclear STR profiles. Shortened STR designs can improve access to some...
- Nuclear DNA
- Nuclear DNA is DNA associated with a cell’s nuclear chromosomes, distinct from the mitochondrial genome. Forensic methods examine selected regions or other...
Explained in these topics
- DNA Degradation: Mechanisms, Inhibitors and Environmental EffectsInterference with an assay despite possible surviving target material.
- The Scope of Biological Evidence in Forensic Science