PCR COVID-19

Infection with the virus causing COVID-19 can be confirmed or ruled out by the presence or absence of viral RNA in a patient detected by molecular testingPCR (Polymerase chain reaction).

The first step is to extract and purify the RNA from the obtained sample. During the standard PCR, the RT-PCR, we convert RNA into DNA, amplify the genetic code of the virus and identify it.

Through this test we will obtain the following results:

• Positive, if during the test the viral ARN is detected. This would be the evidence of the presence of Covid-19 in a patient.
• Negative, if during the test the viral ARN is not detected. This would be the evidence that a patient is not infected.

The PCR tests are very specific and highly sensitive, meaning that it is possible to detect the presence of even very small quantities of viral genetic material.

The Coronaviruses are viruses that use RNA as genetic material. One of the characteristics of the viral RNA is that it generally presents very high rate of mutations.

With the RT-PCR technique we can detect genetic material of the virus in a human body.

A nasopharyngeal sample is collected:

• a patient’s head is positioned at a 45º incline;
• a swab is introduced into a patient’s nose to collect mucus sample;
• once introduced into the nasal cavity, the swab is rotated several times and then extracted;
• the swab is then placed in a sterile container with the patient’s information and is taken for testing.