Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the Perkin Elmer/Applied Biosystems Division 7700 Sequence Detector provides an accurate method for determination of levels of specific DNA and RNA sequences in tissue samples. It is based on detection of a fluorescent signal produced proportionally during amplification of a PCR product. Turn-around time for data acquisition and analysis by real-time PCR with the 7700 model is short, and results are more reliable than by traditional PCR methods. This technology can be successfully offered as a service in a core faculty setting.