What is the covid RTPCR test?

Posted by Jack on December 15, 2022
Table of Contents

    Introduction

    What is covid RTPCR test? Covid RTPCR test is a highly sensitive and specific test for detecting the presence of rhinovirus in respiratory samples. It can detect the virus at extremely low levels, even when it's present in small numbers.

    Take a swab from the nose or throat

    The next step is to take a swab of the nose or throat. To do this, follow these steps:

    • Don't touch the swab with your hands—use gloves instead. The reason for this is that you don't want to transfer any germs from your skin onto the swab.
    • If you have more than one person in need of testing, use a new swab for each person.* Follow the directions on the kit (you can find them online).

    Deep-freezing and transport to the UK

    • How long does it take for a sample to get from the USA to the UK?
    • How long is your sample stored?
    • What happens if there is a problem with your sample, such as contamination or lack of DNA?

    Extract RNA from the sample.

    RNA is extracted from the sample using a process called lysis. This is done using a solution that breaks down cells, which then can be separated from other materials by centrifugation. The resulting solution contains RNA (and other components). You must purify your RNA to remove any contaminating contaminants, as well as to check its quality.

    Create a complementary DNA (cDNA) molecule.

    To create a cDNA molecule, the RNA is duplicated by the enzyme reverse transcriptase. The cDNA can then be used as a template for PCR.

    In short, you'll use an RNA sample to create a complementary DNA (cDNA) molecule that will then be used to create your PCR reaction.

    Use PCR to amplify sections of cDNA

    PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, is a method of amplifying a small amount of DNA. PCR uses specific enzymes to make multiple copies of your target sequence (the DNA you want to detect). Once amplified, the new copies can be analyzed using a variety of methods.

    An RT-PCR test looks for the presence of RNA from HSV-1/2 by amplifying sections of cDNA and checking for the presence or absence of certain sequences within those sections that are unique to HSV1/2 viruses.

    The first step in performing an RT-PCR test involves extracting RNA from cells that may contain virus particles—for example, oral swabs taken during a routine physical exam by your dentist or doctor. This is done by mixing your sample with chemicals that will dissolve any other sources of cellular material so only viral genomic material remains; this process yields a solution containing many copies (copies) of single strands (strands) about 300 base pairs long (bp).

    Put the reaction products on a gel where they light up

    Once your PCR reaction is complete, you'll place the products on a gel, also known as a matrix. The gel acts as a molecular ruler to help separate molecules of different sizes. As its name suggests, a gel is usually made of gelatin or agarose which are both polymers that can hold DNA molecules in place for separation. When DNA is placed in an electric field—like the one produced by an electrophoresis machine—it moves toward the positive electrode (the cathode) at different speeds depending on its size and charge. The smaller fragments move more quickly than larger fragments through the matrix because they have less mass and/or more negative charges than larger fragments do; this causes them to reach their respective end points in shorter amounts of time than would occur if only two equal-sized groups were present ("bursting").

    The RT-PCR test is highly sensitive and can detect the virus at extremely low levels.

    The RT-PCR test is highly sensitive and can detect the virus at extremely low levels. This means that even if you only have a tiny amount of Ebola in your blood or urine, it will be picked up by this test.

    It's also highly accurate. With just one drop of blood, it can tell whether you have Ebola virus infection with 99% accuracy (although there may be some false negatives).

    And that's not all:

    • The RT-PCR test can be done on any sample, including blood or tissue samples taken from dead bodies.
    • It doesn't require a lot of time or equipment to run the test either!

    Conclusion

    Hopefully, this post has given you a little more insight into what the RT-PCR test is and how it works. It's important that we understand these tests so we can make informed decisions about our own health and the health of those around us. If you'd like to learn more about other tests available at Covid Diagnostics - or if you think we could help with any questions - please don't hesitate to get in touch!

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