Name an example of a diagnostic molecular test and what it detects.

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Multiple Choice

Name an example of a diagnostic molecular test and what it detects.

Molecular diagnostic tests that target a pathogen’s genetic material include methods like RT-PCR, which is used for RNA viruses. RT-PCR stands for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. It starts by converting viral RNA into complementary DNA, then amplifies a specific DNA sequence to detect the virus. This makes it especially capable of identifying RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 because it directly detects their genetic material rather than relying on proteins or antibodies. In contrast, ELISA detects viral proteins or host antibodies, not nucleic acids; flow cytometry analyzes physical characteristics of cells or particles and isn’t used to detect a pathogen’s genome; standard PCR targets DNA and wouldn’t detect RNA viruses without the reverse transcription step.

Molecular diagnostic tests that target a pathogen’s genetic material include methods like RT-PCR, which is used for RNA viruses. RT-PCR stands for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. It starts by converting viral RNA into complementary DNA, then amplifies a specific DNA sequence to detect the virus. This makes it especially capable of identifying RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 because it directly detects their genetic material rather than relying on proteins or antibodies.

In contrast, ELISA detects viral proteins or host antibodies, not nucleic acids; flow cytometry analyzes physical characteristics of cells or particles and isn’t used to detect a pathogen’s genome; standard PCR targets DNA and wouldn’t detect RNA viruses without the reverse transcription step.

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