The PCR test is generally used to diagnose COVID-19. This test determines whether or not a person has been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus). Because it is the most reliable and accurate test for detecting the COVID-19, it is also known as the “gold standard” test.
However, many individuals around the world are still uninformed of how the PCR test works. They don’t even know about PCR plates and their uses. Therefore, we’ve come to speak about how the PCR test works. So, read the article below to know about PCR testing in the detection of COVID-19. (Aayu Clinics)
WHAT IS PCR TEST?
The term PCR stands for a polymerase chain reaction. It’s a test that identifies genetic material from a particular creature, such as a virus. If you have a virus, the test will detect its existence. Even if you are no longer infected, the test may disclose fragments of the virus.
WHAT IS A COVID-19 PCR TEST?
The COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is a molecular test that looks for genetic material (ribonucleic acid or RNA), the virus that causes COVID-19, in your upper respiratory specimen. Small amounts of RNA from specimens are amplified into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), using the PCR technique, which is duplicated until COVID-19 is noticeable if present. Since its endorsement in February 2020, the PCR test has been the “Gold standard” for diagnosing COVID-19. This is due to its credibility and correctness.
WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO GET THE PCR TEST?
There are certain cases when you must get tested. Some of them are written below:
- You have got symptoms of Covid in your body.
- You interact with the person for 15 minutes or within six feet, who was COVID-19 positive.
HOW DOES A COVID-19 PCR TEST WORK?
The COVID-19 PCR test works in three easy steps that are mentioned below:
COLLECTION OF SAMPLE
Collecting a sample for the COVID test is a quick and easy process. A swab is used to collect respiratory material from the person’s nose in this step. A swab is commonly made from a soft hat attached to a flexible stick and inserted into the nose.
Swabs are now available in many different varieties. A nasal swab collects the sample inside from the nostrils immediately, while a nasopharyngeal swab can move further inside the nasal cavity.
The use of Both types of swabs is effective in collecting samples for the COVID-19 PCR test. The swab is sealed in a test tube and sent to the laboratory after the sample collection is completed.
EXTRACTION
The technologist performs an extraction process on the received sample when it arrives at the laboratory. This process intends to isolate all genetic material from the sample, which could include genetic material from any virus found in the person’s body.
PCR RESULT
The PCR result is the last step. The PCR machine and some special chemicals are used in this step. The thermal cycler is the name of this machine. The objective of using thermal cyclers is to cause a reaction that can create many copies of some portion of the COVID-19’s genetic material.
If there is any virus found in the material, one of the chemicals produces a fluorescent light during the process. The PCR machine seeks out this fluorescent light as a specific indication. On the other hand, the machine’s software interprets the signal as positive, indicating the presence of a virus in the sample. The test result is therefore positive.
FINAL WORDS
The most reliable test for determining the presence of coronavirus in a patient’s body is the PCR test. This test’s results are always correct. So, if you have coronavirus symptoms, don’t wait and get a PCR test right away! If you haven’t already, you should be vaccinated to protect yourself and others from this frightening virus!
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Work Cited
Aayu Clinics. “PCR Test For COVID-19 – How Does It Work? — Aayu Clinics.” Aayu Clinics, 12 June 2021, https://www.aayuclinics.com/blog/pcr-test-for-covid-19-how-does-it-work. Accessed 6 January 2022.
