Currently, one of the most challenged points to expand the use of viability PCR technique is achieving the complete exclusion of dead cells amplification signals, thus avoiding the overestimation of live cells population. Considering that, and based on the hypothesis that DNA may be retained by microtube walls, the impact of the microtube was addressed on signals from live and heat-killed cells. A double-dye reagent, PEMAX™, which comprises a mix of photo-reactive azide forms of phenanthridium, was used in this work. We found that if both the incubation and the photoactivation steps are carried out in different microtubes, the dead cell signal is greatly reduced than when those steps are done in the same tube. Therefore, the strategy depicted in this study presents a simple and efficient step in minimizing false-positive signal when employing viability PCR.
