PCR test
Viral detection method
A PCR test is a medical diagnostic that detects genetic material from a specific organism—most commonly used to identify viral infections like COVID-19.
PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction, a laboratory technique that amplifies tiny amounts of DNA or RNA to detectable levels.
The test typically involves a nasal or throat swab: I need a negative PCR test to travel.
PCR tests are considered highly accurate but take longer to process than rapid antigen tests.
- nasal swabSampling tool for nostrils
- swabAbsorbent cleaning implement
- nasalOf the nose
- positiveAffirming or certain
- false positiveIncorrect presence indication
negative · 24 hours · diagnosis · laboratory · lab technician · sample · specimen · amplification · viral · results · quarantine · cotton · deep throat · nostril · genetic · saliva · rapid · antigen
- Medical Advancespenicillin, vaccine, X-ray, insulin pump, pacemaker
- pandemiclockdowns, COVID-19, outbreak, epidemic, COVID
- detection methodsradar, sonar, MRI, ultrasound, fingerprinting
- medical testsCT scan, X-ray, MRI, CBC, blood work
- screeningshealth screening, cancer screening, prenatal screening, genetic screening, newborn screening
- diagnostic devicesstethoscope, blood glucose meter, EKG, ECG machine, EEG
PCR testantigen test
Detects foreign protein markers
rapid antigen test · lateral flow test · clinical diagnosis · physical examination · blood smear
PCR testguesswork
Conclusions drawn without proof
intuition · gut feeling · untested · rapid test · self-assessment
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