Abstract: Reference controls for use with pharmacogenomic testing, and methods for their identification, preparation, and use, are disclosed. The reference controls can confirm that pharmacogenomic testing correctly identifies individuals that do or do not have the mutation of interest, in both clinical trial and patient treatment settings. The reference controls can be selected to include one or more mutations to be identified, and prescreened to confirm that they bind to one or more of the primers used in the pharmacogenomic testing. The reference controls are human genomic DNA that includes certain identified polymorphisms (mutations) of interest, ideally derived from individuals, pre-selected and optionally properly consented, which have one or more of the polymorphism(s) of interest.

Abstract: A micromechanical component includes a substrate and a cover layer deposited on the substrate, underneath the cover layer, a region of porous material being provided which mechanically supports and thermally insulates the cover layer. On the cover layer, a heating device is provided to heat the cover layer above the region; and above the region, a detector is provided to measure an electric property of a heated medium provided above the region on the cover layer.