PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests This is a technique for rapid and accurate diagnosis of specific infections and genetic changes. The tests It works by detecting DNA or RNA of pathogens (disease-causing organisms) or non-normal cells in a sample.
- DNA is the genetic tissue that holds the memory and information of all living organisms.
- RNA is another expression of genetic material; it copies information from DNA and is involved in the development of proteins.
Most microorganisms and other pathogens contain DNA or RNA.
Unlike many other tests , PCR tests It is possible to detect disease symptoms in the early stages of infection. Another is. tests Early symptoms of disease may be missed because there is little or no bacteria, microorganisms, or other pathogens in the sample or the body has not had enough time to produce antibodies. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to attack bacteria, germs, and other foreign substances. PCR tests Antibodies can detect disease when only a few pathogens are present in the body.
During a PCR test Small amounts of genetic material in a sample are copied a certain number of times. This copying process is commonly referred to as amplification. Amplification is important to facilitate detection of pathogens when they are present in a sample.
Also known as: polymerase chain reaction, rtPCR, reverse transcription PCR, qPCR, quantitative PCR, real-time PCR.
How is it used?
PCR tests are used to:
- Diagnosis of some infectious diseases
- Identify genetic changes that may cause disease.
- Finding a small number of cancer cells that would likely be missed by other types. of tests
How do they work?
PCR tests work by:
- Collect samples of blood, saliva, mucus, or tissue.
- The samples contain the DNA of the individual and in some cases the DNA of pathogens and cancer cells.
- The sample is placed in a special machine. An enzyme called polymerase is added to the sample. This forces the monster to make copies.
- The copying process is repeated many times. After about an hour, billions of copies have been made. The presence of microorganisms and pathogens, if any, is indicated on the machine.
Some microorganisms, including the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), are made of RNA rather than DNA. In these microorganisms, RNA must be converted to DNA before RNA can be copied. This process is called reverse transcription PCR (rtPCR).
PCR and rtPCR test for the presence of pathogens. Another form of PCR, known as quantitative PCR (qPCR), determines the number of pathogens in a sample. qPCR can be performed simultaneously with PCR or rtPCR.
What happens during PCR test ?
There are several ways to obtain samples PCR test Field – General method involves blood tests and nasal swabs.
During a blood test The caregiver takes a blood sample from a vein in the arm with a small needle. After the needle is placed in a small amount of blood, the blood is placed in a a test tube or bottle. Some pressure can be felt when the needle is in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Nasal swabs can be taken in the front of the nostrils (anterior nostrils). They can also be taken from the top of the nose and throat, from the nasopharynx, or from the nasopharynx, in a procedure known as a central nasal trinoacid (NMT). In some cases, your caregiver will ask you for a frontal nare test or the NMT itself.
During the frontal nares. test Begin to tilt your head back. During this time, you or your caregiver should
- Carefully place a swab into your nostril
- Rotate the swab and depart toward the room for 10-15 seconds.
- Remove the swab and place it in the second nostril.
- Wipe the second nostril using the same technique.
- Remove the swab.
During the NMT-Masuge, you will begin to tilt your head back. During this time, you or your physician should
- Gently press the swab into the lower lobes of your nostrils until you feel it stop.
- Turn the swab in the direction for 15 seconds.
- Remove the swab and place it in the second nostril.
- Wipe the second nostril using the same technique.
- Remove the swab.
During the nasopharyngeal smear period:
- Open the head back.
- Your caregiver will place the cotton swab into the nostril until it reaches the nasopharynx (upper lobes of the throat).
- Your caregiver will turn and remove the cotton swab.
I must arrange something to prepare for this. test ?
You do not need to arrange anything special PCR test .
There is a risk. PCR test ?
There is not enough risk in the blood test There will be slight soreness and bruising in the area where the needle is inserted, but most signs will soon disappear.
The nasopharynx can irritate the throat or wheeze. The nasopharyngeal smear can be uncomfortable and make sure you have to cough or you will have to cough. All these effects are of short duration.
Is there really anything else I should know? PCR tests ?
PCR tests There are clear and reliable ways to detect many contagious diseases. And since they are often likely to make a diagnosis before there are signs of infection, PCR tests They play an important role in preventing the spread of disease.
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