What are the technological principles behind somatic mutation PCR arrays and assays?

Real-time PCR is the most sensitive and reliable method for the detection of DNA mutations. By combining allele specific amplification and hydrolysis probe detection, we have developed real-time PCR assays that detects as low as 1% somatic mutations in the background of wild-type genomic DNA. Allele specific amplification is achieved by Amplification Refractory Mutation System (ARMS@) technology, which is based on the ability of Taq polymerase to discriminate between a match and a mismatch at the 3' end of the PCR primer.