Primers are not included in the preassembled First-Strand Reaction Mixes, thus allowing use of a primer of choice.

Two primers are included with the kit. pd(N)₆ Primer (random hexamer) is used to prepare libraries for screening with antibodies, to increase the representation of 5'-ends of mRNAs having significant secondary structure, or to copy mRNAs lacking a poly(A) tail.

The NotI-(dT)18 Bifunctional Primer can be used to prime selectively on mRNA that has a poly(A) tail. It can also be used as a PCR primer following first-strand synthesis. The NotI restriction site, located at the 5'-end of the primer, is particularly useful for subsequent directional cloning of cDNA and PCR products.

First-Strand cDNA Synthesis Kit contains the following reagents, sufficient for up to 55 first-strand syntheses, each of which will produce enough material for up to 15 amplification reactions: Bulk First-Strand cDNA Reaction Mixes, mRNA Standard, DTT Solution, RNase-Free Water, pd(N)₆ Primer, NotI-(dT)18 Bifunctional Primer, and instruction booklet.