Definition - What does PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test mean?
A PCR test refers to a polymerase chain reaction test. This test serves as the baseline criterion for identifying genetic material anomalies pointing to an infection of a virus. Recently, this is often in reference to SARS-CoV-2, a form of coronavirus hosting the COVID-19 strain. For individuals experiencing recent symptoms of COVID-19 or having been in close contact with an infected individual within a fifteen-minute interval, a PCR test is recommended.
SureHire explains PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test
A PCR test follows an established protocol including collection, extraction, and PCR test metrics, drawing on nasal/nasopharyngeal swab tissue samples via laboratory analyses to determine the presence of COVID-19 in the system. A laboratory technician collects a swab tissue sample from the nasal/mouth orifices, isolating genetic material as biomarkers correlating with COVID-19 antigens following the use of PCR test equipment to target SARS-CoV-2 incubation pending positive test results. Many employers are enlisting PCR testing procedures since it falls under the diagnostic testing category, providing a quick turnaround of positive/negative test results given its sensitivity ratio to quantify an individual’s exposure level among the workforce.
The adoption of PCR tests aims to help curb the spread of COVID-19 inside the workplace, and many rapid test screening sites are being launched across provincial regions in Canada to contain the problem on an outpatient basis. It is imperative to consult a healthcare provider to decisively interpret whether each case is contagious, independent of asymptomatic or latent symptom scenarios where recent infection of COVID-19 can generate negative test results. Consequently, the application of PCR test measures affords health experts a short window of detection (24-hour cycle) to determine COVID-19 statistics.
