Alternative Methods for Identification: PCR

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Alternative Methods for Identification: PCR

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
  • This is used to amplify or copy a segment of RNA or DNA (nucleic acid) of different organisms (i.e. viruses, bacteria, fungus, parasites, and mycobacteria).
  • Detection of the amplified target in real-time is done by measuring fluorescence.
  • This target nucleic acid is copied using two synthetic primers (oligonucleotides) that bind to the sequence and then make new target sequences to a level of detection. There are usually about 30-35 cycles.
  • Lesser-known Corynebacterium may not have a ready-to-use test kit available and the test would need to be made directly in the laboratory wanting to test for these organisms.
24. Gathany, James. "This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) scientist was positioning samples, prepared for real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). This diagnostic technique is the "gold standard" for SARS-CoV-2 testing." CDC Public Health Image Library (PHIL), 2020, https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=24483

PCR instrument Image (24)