worldwide. Accurate testing is key to controlling the virus and reducing transmission.Currently, the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test is the best way to test for SARS-CoV-2 infection.In this test, the RNA — a single-strand molecule — goes through reverse transcription.
In this process, an enzyme converts the RNA into double-stranded DNA.Stay informed with live updates on the current COVID-19 outbreak and visit our coronavirus hub for more advice on prevention and treatment.After reverse transcription, scientists copy specific regions of the genome, using the PCR process.
Then, they introduce primers, which are small sections of DNA that bind to particular DNA sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 genome.The.