Get to know PCR tests for diagnosing COVID-19

PCR or polymerase chain reaction is a laboratory test to detect the presence of genetic material from cells, bacteria, or viruses. At this time , PCR is also used to diagnose COVID-19 disease , namely by detecting genetic material of the Corona virus .

The genetic material in each cell, including bacteria or viruses, can be DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or RNA ( ribonucleic acid). Both types of genetic material are distinguished from the number of chains in them.

Get to know PCR tests for diagnosing COVID-19

DNA is a genetic material with a double chain, while RNA is a genetic material with a single chain. DNA and RNA of every living species carries unique genetic information.

The existence of DNA and RNA will be detected by PCR through amplification or propagation techniques. Now, with the presence of PCR, the presence of genetic material from several types of diseases caused by bacterial or viral infections will be detected and can eventually help the diagnosis for the disease.

Some diseases that can be diagnosed through PCR tests are:

  • Infection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Hepatitis C
  • Cytomegalovirus infection
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • Lyme Disease
  • Pertussis (whooping cough)

In addition to diagnosing a number of diseases above, a PCR test is also used to detect the Corona virus that causes COVID-19. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus which is more commonly called the Corona virus. The Corona virus that causes COVID-19 is a type of RNA virus.

PCR Test for Diagnosing COVID-19

The examination procedure begins with sputum, phlegm, or fluid from the nasopharynx (the part between the nose and throat), oropharynx (the part between the mouth and throat), or the lungs of a patient suspected of being infected with the Corona virus.

Sputum sampling is done using the swab method , the procedure of which takes about 15 seconds and is painless. Furthermore, sputum samples will be examined in the laboratory.

Well, because the Corona virus that causes COVID-19 is an RNA virus, detection of this virus by PCR test will begin with the conversion process (change) The RNA found in the sample becomes DNA.

The process of converting viral RNA to DNA is carried out with the reverse-transcriptase enzyme, so that the technique for examining RNA viruses by converting them into DNA and detecting them by PCR is called reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). After the RNA is converted to DNA, then the PCR tool will amplify or reproduce this genetic material so that it can be detected. If the PCR machine detects the Corona virus RNA in the sputum or phlegm sample examined, the results are positive.

PCR Test to Ensure Rapid Test Results

In addition to the test PCR, you may have heard of rapid test serology for COVID-19. Actually, a rapid test is not a test for diagnosing COVID-19. Rapid test is just a screening or screening test to detect the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies produced by the body when exposed to the Corona virus.

Please note, the formation of IgM and IgG antibodies requires a long time, can be up to 2-4 weeks after the virus enters the body. Therefore, negative results on a rapid test cannot be used as a determinant for someone not infected with Corona virus.

Positive results on a rapid test also cannot be used as a determinant that someone is infected with the Corona virus. This is because the antibodies detected can be IgM and IgG formed by the body due to other viral infections, including viruses from the orcvirus group other than SARS-CoV-2. A result like this is said to be a false positive (positive). Here is the importance of having a PCR test. A PCR test will confirm the results of a rapid test. Until now, the PCR test is the most accurate diagnostic test to determine whether someone has COVID-19 or not.

If you still have questions about the Corona virus and its examination, ask your doctor directly through the ALODOKTER application. In this application, you can chat directly with the doctor or make an appointment with a doctor in the hospital if you need a direct examination.

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