A PCR test is method that is commonly used for diagnosing infectious diseases such as Covid-19. Other names for the PCR test are Polymerase chain reaction, rtPCR, reverse transcription PCR, qPCR, quantitative PCR and real-time PCR.
So, how are PCR tests used? These tests are used to diagnose certain infectious diseases, identify a genetic change that can cause disease and find small amounts of cancer cells that might be missed in other types of tests. The PCR tests work by taking a sample of blood, saliva, mucus, or tissue. The sample that is taken will contain your own DNA and possibly the DNA of a pathogen or cancer cell. When the sample is taken, it is put in a special machine, and then an enzyme called polymerase is added to the sample. This causes the sample to produce copies. The copying process is repeated multiple times. Billions of copies are made after about an hour. If a virus or pathogen is present, it will be indicated on the machine. Certain viruses, including Covid19, are made up of RNA as opposed to DNA. For these viruses, the RNA has to be changed into DNA before copying, a process that referred to as reverse transcription PCR (rtPCR). Both PCR and rtPCR check for the presence of a pathogen. There is also another type of PCR called quantitative PCR (qPCR) which measures the amount of pathogens in the sample. qPCR can be done at the same time as PCR or rtPCR. There are different ways of getting a sample for a rapid antigen test, but the common methods include blood tests and nasal swabs. You will choose the more comfortable method to use when you visit a medical facility near you. For more information on PCR testing, visit our website at harleymedic.co.uk
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