Test guide
PCR Tests
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests are a reliable and accurate way to diagnose certain infectious diseases , some types of cancer , and certain genetic changes. The tests check for small amounts of genetic material of a pathogen (disease-causing organism) or abnormal cells in a sample of your blood, saliva, mucus, or tissue. The genetic material could be:
What it is for
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Medical test information is public domain. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-18. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Limitations
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also known as
- polymerase chain reaction, rtPCR, reverse transcription PCR, qPCR, quantitative PCR, real-time PCR
Reviewed products
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