
The combined technique has been described as real-time RT-PCR or quantitative RT-PCR and is sometimes abbreviated qRT-PCR, rRT-PCR or RT-qPCR, although sometimes RT-PCR or PCR are used.

Real-time PCR (qPCR) provides advantages including automation, higher-throughput and more reliable instrumentation. These tests are also referred to as molecular or genetic assays. The RT-PCR process generally requires a few hours. RT-PCR can thereby detect SARS-CoV-2, which contains only RNA. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) first uses reverse transcription to obtain DNA, followed by PCR to amplify that DNA, creating enough to be analyzed. Reverse transcription converts RNA into DNA. Test samples are treated with certain chemicals that allow DNA to be extracted. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a process that amplifies (replicates) a small, well-defined segment of DNA many hundreds of thousands of times, creating enough of it for analysis. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test Other methods used in molecular tests include CRISPR, isothermal nucleic acid amplification, digital polymerase chain reaction, microarray analysis, and next-generation sequencing. As of 2021, the most common form of molecular test is the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. These are called nucleic acid or molecular tests, after molecular biology. There are multiple types of tests that look for the virus by detecting the presence of the virus's RNA. Tests that look for the viral antigens (parts of the virus) are called antigen tests. Detection of the virusĭetection of the virus is usually done either by looking for the virus's inner RNA, or pieces of protein on the outside of the virus. Other techniques include a CT scan, checking for elevated body temperature, checking for low blood oxygen level, and detection by trained dogs. Positive viral tests indicate a current infection, while positive antibody tests indicate a prior infection.

They are less useful for diagnosing current infections because antibodies may not develop for weeks after infection. Antibody tests (serology immunoassays) instead show whether someone once had the disease. Molecular tests for viral presence through its molecular components are used to diagnose individual cases and to allow public health authorities to trace and contain outbreaks. The two main types of tests detect either the presence of the virus or antibodies produced in response to infection.

The US CDC's COVID-19 laboratory test kitĬOVID-19 testing involves analyzing samples to assess the current or past presence of SARS-CoV-2.
