PCR is a test that detects viral antigens v by culturing the virus To detect SARS-CoV-2, which is a(n) RNA V virus, a fo
Posted: Tue May 17, 2022 6:51 pm
PCR is a test that detects viral antigens v by culturing the virus To detect SARS-CoV-2, which is a(n) RNA V virus, a form of PCR called RT-PCR is used. In this test, the enzyme reverse transcriptase first converts RNA to a dsDNA copy which is then amplified by the PCR reaction. A positive test can determine the presence of viable ("live" or infectious) virus, so a person testing positive may not actually be contagious. False negatives are most likely early or late in an infection, when viral RNA is in small amounts.