![RT-PCR vs. Rapid PCR](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/coronavirus-blood-test-covid.jpg?output-quality=75)
Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are two different techniques used to amplify genetic material in a cell.
The main difference between RT-PCR and rapid PCR is the type of molecule that is being amplified. RT-PCR amplifies the RNA, whereas rapid PCR amplifies the DNA.
Which test is used to detect COVID-19: RT-PCR or rapid PCR?
Coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Various tests can detect SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test is the most popular and reliable diagnostic test to identify SARS-CoV-2 infection. RT-PCR assays use the PCR method to amplify particular viral RNA (ribonucleic acid) segments.
This test is very sensitive and specific because it can find even minute levels of the viral RNA in a clinical sample. RT-PCR tests can track the efficacy of treatment for COVID-19.
Other tests that can detect SARS-CoV-2 include:
- Antigen tests
- Detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples.
- Can detect proteins on the surface of the virus.
- Generally, less sensitive than RT-PCR tests.
- Typically used to diagnose active infections, but they may not detect the virus in the early stages of infection or asymptomatic people.
- Antibody tests
- Also called serological tests and detect the presence of antibodies in the blood that is produced in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Can determine whether a person has been infected with the virus in the past.
- Are not typically used to diagnose active infections.
What is the RT-PCR test?
Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) involves the reverse transcription of RNA into DNA, which is then amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
RT-PCR tests are highly sensitive and specific, and they can be used to detect even small amounts of RNA from a virus in a clinical sample.
The RT-PCR test involves several steps, including:
- Sample preparation: A sample of bodily fluid (such as saliva or nasal secretions) is collected, and the RNA is extracted from the sample.
- Reverse transcription: The RNA is converted into a complementary DNA (cDNA) molecule using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase.
- PCR amplification:
- The cDNA is amplified using the PCR technique.
- Involves the use of special enzymes and reaction conditions to make multiple copies of the target DNA sequence.
- Detection: The amplified DNA is then detected using a variety of techniques, such as gel electrophoresis or fluorescence-based assays.
What are the uses of RT-PCR?
Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a versatile and powerful laboratory technique. It is widely used in several clinical and research settings.
- Diagnosis of infectious diseases
- RT-PCR detects the presence of viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms in clinical samples.
- Commonly used to diagnose COVID-19, influenza, and tuberculosis.
- Genetic testing
- RT-PCR detects genetic mutations or abnormalities in samples of DNA or RNA.
- Commonly used in cancer diagnosis and to identify genetic disorders.
- Monitoring treatment
- Quality control
- Help ensure the quality and purity of the final product in the production of pharmaceuticals and biologics.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com//images/slideshow/essential-screening-tests-for-women-s1-doctor-examining-woman-patient.jpg)
SLIDESHOW
Health Screening Tests Every Woman Needs See SlideshowWhat is a rapid PCR test?
Rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a variation of the PCR technique that uses specialized enzymes and reaction conditions to amplify DNA quicker than standard PCR. Though rapid PCR reduces the time required for the amplification process, it may have lower sensitivity or accuracy compared to standard PCR.
Rapid PCR tests are highly sensitive and specific, and they can be used to detect even small amounts of DNA in a sample.
The rapid PCR test involves several steps, including:
- Sample preparation: A sample of DNA is collected and extracted.
- PCR amplification:
- The DNA is amplified using the PCR technique.
- Special enzymes and reaction conditions help make multiple copies of the target DNA sequence.
- Detection: The amplified DNA is then detected using several techniques, such as gel electrophoresis or fluorescence-based assays.
What are the uses of rapid PCR?
Rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a powerful and fast technique. It has various applications and can detect genetic abnormalities. It is commonly used in the following conditions:
- Forensics:
- Helps identify individuals based on their DNA.
- Commonly used in criminal investigations, paternity testing, and the identification of missing persons.
- Identification of genetically modified organisms: Can detect the presence of genetically modified DNA in food products and environmental samples.
- Detection of genetic abnormalities:
- Detects genetic mutations or abnormalities in samples of DNA.
- Commonly used in the diagnosis of genetic disorders and cancer.
- Research: Used in the study of gene expression, regulation, and function.
- Quality control: Used in the production of pharmaceuticals and biologics to ensure the quality and purity of the final product.
Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/reverse-transcription-polymerase-chain-reaction
Rapid Testing. https://www.idsociety.org/covid-19-real-time-learning-network/diagnostics/rapid-testing/
The power of real-time PCR. https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/advan.00019.2005
The applications of the polymerase chain reaction in the life sciences. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7580841/
Different types of COVID-19 tests explained. https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/different-types-of-covid-19-tests-explained/2020/11
Top Difference Between RT-PCR and Rapid PCR Related Articles
Coronavirus COVID-19 Prevention: Test Your Medical IQ
What's really the best way to prevent the spread of new coronavirus COVID-19? Should wear a mask or not? Take this quiz to find out!COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease: Articles of Interest
Read about COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease. See interesting articles related to vitamins and supplements to boost immunity, symptoms, prevention, vaccines, historical comparisons to past pandemics, and more.Coronavirus: How COVID-19 Affects Your Body
By now, everyone knows about COVID-19. But do you know how it can affect your body?COVID-19 Vaccine Myths and Facts Quiz
The FDA has granted Emergency Use Authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines that have been shown to be safe and effective as established by data from large clinical trials.COVID-19 vs. Flu vs. Cold
When you're feeling sick, it can be difficult to distinguish the symptoms of a COVID-19 infection from the symptoms of the common cold or the flu (influenza). While fever is common with the flu and COVID-19, sneezing is typically only associated with colds. Though sore throats are typical with colds, they are uncommon with COVID-19 infections and the flu.How Do the COVID-19 Coronavirus Tests Work?
Tests used for detection of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) may use two methods to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of COVID-19 disease, a debilitating and potentially deadly viral pneumonia. Genomic or molecular detection confirms the presence of viral DNA. The immunoglobulin or serology tests can tell whether or not you have been exposed to coronavirus, but not whether you are currently infected. Both tests administered in tandem can give you your complete COVID-19 infection status.Lung and Respiratory: Signs That You May Have Had COVID-19
Could you have already had COVID-19 and not know it? Learn some signs that might indicate just that.PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a method to analyze a short sequence DNA or RNA. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) has many uses, for example, it is used to diagnose genetic diseases, establish paternity or biological relationships, DNA fingerprinting, DNA forensics, and finding bacteria and viruses.What Is the Difference Between a PCR Nasal Swab and a COVID-19 Antigen Test?
Both the PCR test and antigen test can be used to determine whether you have been infected with the COVID-19 virus. While it takes longer to get results, a PCR test is usually more accurate than an antigen test.How to Differentiate Between the Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19, Allergies, Cold, and Flu?
Coronavirus disease or COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 will experience a mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without the need for intensive or special treatment. Serious illness is more likely in elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer.Skin Problems: Rosacea, Acne, Shingles, Covid-19 Rashes
Learn to spot and treat skin conditions commonly found in adults such as acne, Covid-19 rashes, eczema, shingles, psoriasis, rosacea, hives, cold sores, razor bumps, athlete's foot, and more dermatology details.What Is Considered to Be Fever for COVID-19?
A body temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher is generally seen in people with COVID-19, although not everyone who is infected with the virus will develop a fever. Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure to infection. Other COVID-19 symptoms may include cough, runny nose, body aches, headache, sore throat, difficulty breathing, nausea with or without vomiting, diarrhea, loss of taste, loss of smell, and abdominal pain.What Is COVID-19 XBB.1.5 Variant?
COVID-19 XBB.1.5 is a variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is the virus that causes COVID-19. Check out the center below for more medical references on COVID-19, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.What Is the COVID-19 Antigen Test?
What is the COVID-19 antigen test? Learn what the rapid antigen test is used for, how it works, and what the pros and cons are.How Long After COVID-19 Symptoms Appear Should I Get Tested?
The CDC recommends that anyone who is exposed to COVID-19 should test four to five days after their suspected exposure.COVID-19 (Coronavirus, 2019-nCoV)
Infection with COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus, 2019-nCoV) causes respiratory problems in humans. Transmission of COVID-19 occurs mainly through contact with respiratory sections from an infected person, however, fecal contamination may also spread the virus. Symptoms start off flu-like and progress to coughing, fever, shortness of breath, shaking chills, headache, loss of sense of taste and/or smell, muscle pain, and sore throat. Treatment focuses on supportive care and symptom relief. COVID-19 vaccines are available.Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Prevention Quiz
Why is coronavirus considered dangerous? What are the symptoms you should look for? Take this COVID-19 prevention quiz to learn how to protect yourself.