Accurate determination of DNA in agarose gels using the novel algorithm GelScann(1.0)

• Published in: Bioinformatics Vol. 11; no. 2; pp. 187 - 194
• Main Authors: Metzker, Michael L., Allain, Kyle M., Gibbs, Richard A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC Oxford University Press 01.04.1995; Oxford
• Subjects: AIDS/HIV; Algorithms; Bacteriophage M13 - genetics; Biological and medical sciences; DNA, Viral - analysis; Electrophoresis, Agar Gel - methods; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Genetic Carrier Screening; HIV Infections - virology; HIV-1 - genetics; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Mathematics in biology. Statistical analysis. Models. Metrology. Data processing in biology (general aspects); Microcomputers; Muscular Dystrophies - genetics; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Polymerase chain reaction; Computer program; Gel electrophoresis; DNA; Computerized processing; Algorithm; Computer aid; Implementation; Quantitative analysis
• DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/11.2.187
• ISSN: 1367-4803; 0266-7061

GelScann(1.0) is a user-friendly program that accurately quantitates DNA from CCD imaged agarose gels. The algorithm automatically locates lanes, locates bands within a given lane, and quantitates the intensity of each band. GelScann(1.0) uses a statistical method to discriminate DNA from local backgrornd fluorescence. The sensitivity of the LaneFinder and BandFinder can be adjusted by the user interacting with GelScann(1.0) 's option box. We demonstrate that GelScann(1.0) can accurately determine DNA concentrations for routine molecular biology applications and determine the relative intensities of PCR amplified fragments for genetic testing.