A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test detects genetic material from a pathogen or abnormal cell sample. Ways of collecting samples include a nasal swab, a saliva swab, or taking a sample of blood.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid (antigen) tests for COVID-19 both involve taking a swab. Results for a PCR test take longer, as it needs to go to a laboratory. It is more costly but tends to ...

The importance of testing for SARS-CoV-2 has been emphasized since the beginning of the outbreak. Institutions all around the world have been rapidly developing PCR tests with the aim of fast, ...

COVID-19 tests are in greater demand than ever, and new data about the Omicron variant can make picking and using different types of tests confusing. Molecular tests for COVID-19, like the "RT-PCR" ...

Once the concept of PCR popped into Kary Mullis’ head in 1983 it wasn’t long before scientists realized they had a revolutionary technology in their hands. Because now they could take the smallest ...

Researchers at Columbia Engineering and Rover Diagnostics, both at Columbia University, New York, NY, have teamed up to develop a low-cost, photonics-based portable platform that gives RT-PCR results ...

New COVID-19 restrictions for international travel and other activities are fueling consumer demand for highly accurate polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests with rapid turnaround times. Some ...

With laboratory methods and diagnostics advancing apace, Francesca Lake considers whether PCR is likely to retain its crown as an essential lab method, or whether it could be replaced and consigned to ...

As the coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 disease spreads across the world, the IAEA, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is offering its support ...

As the coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 disease spreads across the world, the IAEA, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is offering its support ...