To date, the PCR method (polymerase chain reaction) is one of the most informative and most accurate methods of determining infection in the human body. In comparison with other analyzes, it has no sensitivity limit, which allows detecting the DNA of the infectious agent and its nature.
PCR is the principle of the method
The essence of the method is to determine and repeatedly increase the DNA portion of the pathogen in the biological material obtained for the study. Carrying out, molecular diagnostics by the PCR method, you can easily decipher any DNA and RNA of microorganisms. Since each of them has its own unique genetic detector, which, when an identical fragment is found in a biological sample, begins the process of creating a huge number of copies. In this regard, the specificity of the method guarantees an accurate result, even if only one DNA fragment of the infection was found in the sample.
In addition, molecular diagnostics using the PCR method and its subsequent decoding involves the detection of an infectious agent even in the incubation period, when clinical manifestations of the disease are absent.
An extremely important condition for conducting PCR is preliminary preparation and proper sampling of the material.
The method of PCR - how is it taken?
One of the significant advantages of the method is the fact that absolutely different biological material is suitable for the study. It can be vaginal discharge , smears from the cervix or urethra, urine or blood. Everything depends on the alleged pathogen and its habitat.
Typically, to determine genital infections using the PCR method, genital secretions are taken to detect viral hepatitis C or HIV is taken by blood sampling.
In any case, doctors recommend before handing over the analysis:
- 1-3 days before the expected date of collection of materials to refrain from sexual intercourse;
- just before surrender, nothing is in the morning;
- in the evening, not wash with antibacterial soap , but in the morning simply with water, not douche;
- 2-3 hours before the test, do not urinate;
- it is best to conduct the test immediately after the end of menstruation.
It is clear that PCR is a promising and high-tech research method, easy to use, and also has high sensitivity indicators. In addition to practical medicine, the polymerase chain reaction is used for scientific purposes.