PCR was invented in1983 by a Chemist named Kary Mullis, who was later awarded a Nobel Prize in 1993 for this landmark invention.
PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. PCR Diagnostics, also known as Molecular Diagnostics or Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs means that in the sample being tested, we aim to detect nucleic acid molecules (DNA or RNA) to arrive at a diagnosis or provide clinically useful information for patient care.
DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic acid while RNA stands for Ribonucleic acid. These nucleic acid molecules are the tapes of life and they are found in all living cells e.g. of humans, bacteria such as TB germs, viruses such as HIV or Coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2), parasites such as hookworms, fungi such as Candida, e.t.c.
Thus, when we detect DNA or RNA of any of these germs, we are able to tell that the sample contains those germs which must therefore be targeted during patient treatment. In the case of humans, when the DNA is changed in any way such as in sickle cell disease, detection of those changes in the DNA means that a certain disease such as sickle cell is present in the patient.
Therefore, through PCR diagnostics, we detect many diseases. At Labcareplus, examples of diseases OR germs detected using PCR/molecular diagnostics include:
Infectious Diseases PCR Tests
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) PCR on Naso-or Oropharyngeal Swabs
HIV DNA PCR, EDTA Blood 2ml
HIV-1 Viral load PCR, EDTA Blood 3ml
Hepatitis C PCR, EDTA Blood 2ml
Hepatitis C Viral Load PCR, EDTA Blood 3ml
Hepatitis B viral load PCR, EDTA Blood 3ml
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) PCR on Cervical/Urethral/High vaginal swabs
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) PCR, EDTA Blood 2ml
Herpes Simplex virus-Type-1 PCR on CSF or Blood
Herpes Simplex virus-Type-II PCR on Cervical/Urethral/genital ulcer swabs
TB PCR on Sputum or other samples
Chlamydia trachomatis PCR, on Cervical/Urethral/High vaginal swabs
Neisseria gonorrhoea PCR on Cervical/Urethral/High vaginal swabs
pertussis & B. parapertussis PCR on Naso-or Oropharyngeal Swabs
Dental & Periodontal bacteria PCR on paper tip dental swabs
EHEC (Enterohaemorrhagic coli) PCR of stool
Toxoplasma gondii PCR on CSF or Blood
Pneumocystis jirovecii (PCP) PCR on induced sputum or BAL.
Genotyping / Speciation PCR tests
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) complex Speciation PCR
Atypical Mycobacteria Speciation PCR
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Genotyping
Human Papilloma virus (HPV) Genotyping PCR
Hepatitis B virus Genotyping PCR
Hepatitis C virus Genotyping PCR
HIV Genotyping PCR
Drug Resistance PCR Tests
MRSA (methicillin-resistant aureus) PCR
MRSA & PVL toxin aureus diagnosis PCR
Helicobacter pylori & its resistance to fluoroquinolones and clarithromycin
MDR-TB (Multi drug resistant TB) PCR
XDR-TB (extensively drug resist TB) PCR
VRE (Vancomycin-resistant enterococci) PCR
ESBLs (Extended Spectrum β-lactamase) gm-ve bacteria PCR
HIV Drug resistance PCR (soon beginning)
Human Genetic Diseases PCR Diagnostics
Ankylosing spondylitis thru detection of HLA-B27
Primary lactose (milk) intolerance
Hereditary Haemochromatosis
Vascular thrombosis disease – Detection of Mutations in Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A & MTHFR genes,
Assess the risk of Type III hyperlipoproteinaemia & coronary heart disease thru detection of polymorphisms in the PAI-1 gene & three alleles of the human ApoE gene.
HLA Typing for Organ donor-recipient matching before transplant
Hypersensitivity to Abacavir through detection of HLA-B57.