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16.2.7: Identification of SAR-CoV-2 RNA Using RT-PCR

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    122735

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    The RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) method is used to diagnose COVID-19 infection by detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a person's nose or throat. The viruses on the swab are lysed and their RNA genomes are purified. Reverse transcriptase is then used to make DNA copies of the RNA viral genome. Polymerase chain reactions are then used to rapidly amplify the number of DNA copies. During this hybridation, probes labeled with a fluorophore bind to their complementary DNA strands.(A fluorophore is a fluorescent chemical compound that can re-emit light upon light excitation.) A TaqMan probe then cleaves the fluorophore bound to the labeled probe and the degree of floresence can then be used to indicate the presence of certain SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the original patient sample.

    Further Information

    Medscape articles on infections associated with organisms mentioned in this lab exercise. Registration to access this website is free.

    Contributors and Attributions

    • Dr. Gary Kaiser (COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF BALTIMORE COUNTY, CATONSVILLE CAMPUS)

    This page titled 16.2.7: Identification of SAR-CoV-2 RNA Using RT-PCR is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Gary Kaiser.