• Fast 5-minute enzyme activation time
• Fewer pipetting steps reduces the risk of contamination
• High PCR specificity without the need for optimization
• Optional ready-to-load buffer additive for easier handling

HotStarTaq Plus Master Mix contains HotStarTaq Plus DNA Polymerase, the unique QIAGEN PCR Buffer that minimizes the requirement for optimization, and dNTPs. The HotStarTaq Plus Master Mix Kit provides the same unrivalled highly specific and sensitive PCR as the HotStarTaq Master Mix Kit, but combined with a fast 5-minute enzyme activation time. In addition, CoralLoad Concentrate, containing two gel-tracking dyes, is also provided for improved pipetting visualization and immediate gel-loading of PCR products.

Each lot of HotStarTaq Plus DNA Polymerase is subjected to a comprehensive range of quality control tests, including a stringent PCR specificity and reproducibility assay in which low-copy targets are amplified. HotStarTaq Plus Master Mix Kit outperforms kits from other suppliers and ensures high specificity and superior performance in hot-start PCR (see figures " Highest specificity " and " Higher specificity with different primer–template systems ", and table). The innovative PCR buffer provided with the kit ensures specificity over a wide range of PCR conditions, minimizing the need for optimization. CoralLoad Concentrate, also included with the kit, ensures greater convenience by improving pipetting visibility and allowing direct loading of PCR products onto a gel. CoralLoad Concentrate can be added to the PCR without affecting amplification sensitivity or specificity. PCR fragments amplified in the presence of CoralLoad Concentrate have been successfully tested for cloning and restriction digestion without prior purification.

The combination of high specificity and easy handling makes the HotStarTaqPlus Master Mix Kit suitable for use with complex genomic or cDNA templates (see figure " Effect of hot start on RT-PCR performance "), multiple primer pairs (see figure " Specific amplification in multiplex PCR ), and templates isolated from difficult sources or very low-copy targets (see figure " Highly sensitive single-cell PCR "). The HotStarTaqPlus Master Mix Kit is also suitable for projects such as genetic screening, in which large numbers of samples are amplified.