Sample Processing - Waterborne Pathogens: Detection Methods and Applications - page 98

Figure 4.10 Suite of controls for nucleic acid amplification-based methods for detec-
tion of enteric viruses. Abbreviations: EAC, External amplification control; IAC, Internal
amplification control; NAC, Negative amplification control; PAC, Positive amplification
control; SPCV, Sample process control virus; SPCVNC, Sample process control virus—
negative control; TNPC, Target-negative process control. 84 (For color version of this
igure, the reader is referred to the online version of this topic.)
Target-Negative Process Control is a “sample” in which the matrix is replaced
with the same weight/volume of sterile distilled water or phosphate buffered
saline. This control should be included in every batch of samples analyzed
and is processed identically as a test sample (including the addition of the
SPC). This control verifies that the sample treatment reagents and/or equip-
ment are not contaminated with target organism or its amplicon. The SPC
must be detected, but there should be no target signal obtained from the
TNPC. For large sample volumes, including a TNPC may be unrealistic.