Rapid Cycle Real-Time PCR is a powerful analytical tool with broad application for the basic and applied life sciences. Compared with conventional PCR technology, Rapid Cycle Real-Time PCR is faster, has greater specificity, and is more easily adaptable for a variety of diagnostic tests, including qualitative, quantitative and mutation detection assays. This book provides general overviews of this technology for use in the clinical microbiology laboratory as well as specific diagnostic protocols for the detection of viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens and genetically modified organisms in human specimens and foodstuffs. All of these protocols have been developed, verified, and validated by experts in the field and should be of great interest for clinical microbiologists, pathologists, laboratory technologists as well as practicing physicians.