How COVID-19 test works: Know the basics

Gene-based PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, test is most reliable, but slow

Published: March 24, 2020 16:07 Jay Hilotin, Assistant Editor

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A technician prepares COVID-19 coronavirus patient samples for testing at a laboratory in New York's Long Island. — LAB TEST: A technician prepares COVID-19 coronavirus patient samples for testing. In this article, we will attempt to explain how it works. Image Credit: AP

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PCR 01 — VIRUS DETECTION: The reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology has been around for a long time. It is reliable and highly accurate. But it is time-consuming and complicated to perform. It’s also very easy to contaminate samples. The RT-PCR test itself only takes about a day. With thousands of requests for PCR tests and with limited time and staff -- and logistical challenges (i.e. the need to ship samples to labs), it’s taking most patients days, or even weeks, to get their results back. Image Credit: Gulf News / Jay Hilotin

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Nasopharyngeal swab pcr test — DETECTING GENETIC MATERIAL: Using real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) the test can be done on respiratory samples obtained by various methods, including nasopharyngeal swab or sputum sample. Results are generally available within a few hours to 2 days. Image Credit: Gulf News / Jay Hilotin

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PCR 3 — ADVANCED ANALYTICAL TESTS: Molecular methods leverage polymerase chain reaction (PCR) along with nucleic acid tests, and other advanced analytical techniques, to detect the genetic material of the virus using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for diagnostic purposes. Image Credit: Gulf News / Jay Hilotin

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PCR test — PRICE OF RT PCR DETECTION KIT: The website biocompare.com lists different manufacturers of RT PCR detection kits. Today, PRC technology has also improved. The most recent advancement is what’s called Real-Time PCR, which offers a number of advantages. For one, it allows scientists have the ability to actually quantify the amount of pathogen (disease-causing bacteria, virus) present. Image Credit: Gulf News / Jay Hilotin / https://www.biocompare.com/26179-PCR-Kits/

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PRC RT 04 — Image Credit: Gulf News / Jay Hilotin

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pcr 05 downside — Image Credit: Gulf News / Jay Hilotn

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isothermal amplification — Image Credit: Gulf News / Jay Hilotin Sources https://bit.ly/33H3azb; https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/diagnosis/molecular-assays.htm

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PCR 08 — Image Credit: Gulf News / Jay Hilotin Sources https://bit.ly/33H3azb; https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/diagnosis/molecular-assays.htm

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COVID 19 MARCH 24 — Image Credit: Gulf News / Jay Hilotin

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UAE RAMPS UP TESTS: The UAE has ramped up coronavirus testing following the pandemic's spread. As of Tuesday, March 17, 2020, there were 127,000 individuals who had been tested for coronavirus in the UAE, according to the Ministry of Health and Prevention. These figures, relayed to the Emirates News Agency, indicate the country's concerted efforts to prevent the further spread of the virus. Considering data on COVID-19 testing per capita, the UAE is now leading global efforts to ensure the mitigation of the pandemic. Image Credit:

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How COVID-19 test works: Know the basics

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How COVID-19 test works: Know the basics

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