Page 123 - MNU-PM503 Parasitology practical book

Pharm D- Clinical Pharmacy Program Third Level Parasitology and virology (PM501)

E- Detection of Viral Nucleic Acids (Molecular method):

1- Polymerase Chain Reaction

■ PCR allows the in vitro amplification of specific target DNA sequences by
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a factor of 10 and is thus an extremely sensitive technique.

2- Real-time PCR methods
■ Real – time PCR methods have had a major impact on diagnostic testing.

■ It combines amplification and detection in one step, which shortens assay

time, reduces amplicon cross-contamination because the reaction tube is not

opened, and allows visualization of amplification results as they are

unfolding in “real time.”

■ can be used to quantify the PCR product.

■ Real-time PCR is being increasingly used in diagnosing virus infections.

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