Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid (antigen) tests for COVID-19 both involve taking a swab. Results for a PCR test take longer, as it needs to go to a laboratory. It is more costly but tends to ...

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test detects genetic material from a pathogen or abnormal cell sample. Ways of collecting samples include a nasal swab, a saliva swab, or taking a sample of blood.

First developed more than four decades ago as a biological research technique to amplify nucleic acids, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology still has untapped potential, with many exciting ...

The COVID-19 pandemic led to many changes. Among them is universal familiarity with a molecular diagnostic technique that was largely unknown outside clinical use. The polymerase chain reaction — or ...

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a fundamental molecular biology tool that scientists use to amplify and analyze genetic material, such as DNA and RNA. PCR involves the enzymatic amplification of ...