A simple method for isolation of DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples for PCR.

A simple method of processing formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections for DNA amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is described. In this procedure, deparaffinized sections are readily subjected to DNA isolation simply by boiling and the released DNA can be directly employed for PCR. The method allows analysis of single-copy genes or viral sequences at least up to 300 base pairs long in one working day. This method is particularly useful in analysing retrospective materials when the simplicity and low cost of the assay are preferable. Furthermore, the simplicity of the procedure reduces the risk of contamination.