What is one aspect that can cause a false negative result during PCR?

A false negative result during PCR can occur due to improper test setup. This includes errors made during the preparation and execution of the PCR process, which can significantly impact the sensitivity of the assay. For instance, if the reagents are not mixed properly, if the sample is not prepared correctly, or if the thermal cycling conditions are not followed as required, it can lead to inadequate amplification of the target DNA. Consequently, this may result in not detecting the target sequence even if it is present in the sample, thereby yielding a false negative.

The integrity and accuracy of the procedure are critical; any lapse in technique or protocol can hinder effective amplification, which is essential for reliable results in PCR-based testing. These factors play a crucial role in ensuring that the PCR process effectively identifies the target nucleic acids.