Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Real Time, PCR Test

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a technique in molecular genetics that permits the analysis of any short sequence of DNA (or RNA) even in samples containing only minute quantities of DNA or RNA. RT-PCR is a PCR test that is designed to detect and measure RNA. Although initial PCR tests amplified DNA, many viruses and other biological components (for example, mitochondria) utilize RNA as their genetic material. For the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTB), PCR is known to be sensitive, specific, and rapid compared to the conventional methods of acid-fast-bacilli (AFB) smear and culture.

No prior preparations are required for the test unless the health professional recommends any.

The PCR test forms the basis of a number of tests that can answer many different medical questions that help physicians diagnose and treat patients. For example, PCR tests can detect and identify pathogenic organisms in patients, especially those that are difficult to cultivate. Real time PCR has many benefits over the old fashioned approach:

The efficiency of the reaction can be precisely calculated. It gives you a look in to the reaction. You can literally see which reactions have worked well and which have failed. Real-time PCR data can be used to perform truly quantitative analysis of gene expression. In comparison, old fashioned PCR was only ever semi-quantitative at best.

A sample containing a nucleotide sequence is taken. The nucleotide sequence can be found in blood, hair, skin scrapping, pus, etc. This sample will be taken to a laboratory for the actual test to be done.