In recent years, the world has been exposed to an alarming rise of diseases and infections because of issues such as maintaining global connectivity, changes in how people live, environmental degradation, and the emergence of new strains of bacteria and viruses that are resistant to antibiotics.
Focused on these barriers, progress in medical science comes in to change the way we approach and treat diseases. One example of such progress is the PCR test (Polymerase Chain Reaction), a method that excels in sensitivity and specificity when it comes to identifying genetic materials from viruses, bacteria, and other organisms.
With the rise of infections and health concerns, PCR test at home services have become quite timely. This means one can undergo testing without stepping outside their house, which is more effective and safe and reduces the chances of transferring infections. Be it COVID-19, Flu, or any other illness, the use of a PCR test is critical in determining the health status and achieving the necessary health interventions.
What is a PCR Test?
PCR-Test is an advanced diagnostic method that is used for the amplification and detection of the genetic material of infectious agents, which helps in the accurate diagnosis of various infections. This method has gained prominence due to its specificity and capacity to diagnose infections even at preclinical stages.
A PCR test conducted in an individual’s home facilitates these tests to patients whenever they feel they need them, either because they are watching themselves for COVID-19 or any other illness such as flu or sexually transmitted diseases. A few easy steps are required to collect a specimen for the tests, which provide quick and accurate results, thus ensuring that you get the required treatment in no time.
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7 Common PCR Tests You Should Know
Now that you know what exactly a PCR test is, let’s explore the seven most common PCR tests that are essential for accurate diagnosis.
- COVID-19 PCR Test
The COVID-19 outbreak made the PCR test, which had previously been overlooked, more relevant than ever. It is the most reliable examination used to find out if a person is infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, known as SARS-CoV-2. Now, people can take a PCR test from home, helping them to keep track of their health, whether or not they are feeling unwell or have been at risk. Primarily because this type of Covid test is able to detect even the slightest concentrations of the virus’s RNA, making it perfect for early diagnosis.
- Flu PCR Test (Influenza PCR)
There are millions of cases of the flu every year, and at times, it becomes difficult to differentiate this disease from other respiratory diseases such as COVID-19. The Flu PCR test includes the testing of influenza A and B viruses to ascertain specific treatments. PCR test at home are very helpful for these influenza viruses, especially in the flu season, considering the benefit of containing the flu virus’s transmission in healthcare settings.
- HIV PCR Test
HIV PCR test is used for diagnosis in the early stages of HIV infection using blood tests that look for traces of the virus’s DNA. This is essential in the case of an HIV-positive mother who delivers a baby or any other individual who has a high chance of getting infected. Fearing the stigma attached to the disease or the falsehoods associated with AIDS, individuals may seek, where possible, a PCR test at home for HIV.
- Tuberculosis (TB) PCR Test
Tuberculosis is still a serious global health issue in various countries. TB PCR test helps retrieve the Mycobacterium tuberculosis from patients’ specimens. Early detection using a PCR test will enable the onset of treatment without delay, thereby minimizing cases of TB transmission, especially in endemic regions. This test is no doubt useful, especially in areas with high transmission of infectious diseases, as it helps achieve mortality control objectives through rapid intervention.
- HPV PCR Test
Another major factor that contributes to the mortality rate of cervical cancer is Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which tends to have a very lockdown preventive aspect. The HPV PCR test detects specific high-risk HPV strains, the ones strongly correlated with HIV cervical cancer. Having ordered the duplicate tests from the physician, the person can want to ensure that the husband has not infected her with the virus any longer and opt to do the HPV PCR test at home, which is easily available now.
- Hepatitis B & C PCR Test
Infections of Hepatitis B and C are also serious, especially liver infection diseases that may lead to long-term illness when failed to treat. The hepatitis B & c PCR test detects the viral DNA or RNA associated with these two viruses in the blood, which aids in the detection and follow-up of infection. Even with the worst of conditions being experienced, there has been the introduction of PCR tests, which are available for patients to carry out at home in order to keep them constant and active in controlling their illnesses.
- Gonorrhea & Chlamydia PCR Test
Nowadays, most health practitioners and services lean towards prevention rather than treatment; this is in recognition that the diseases that plague humanity today are very expensive and, in some cases, very difficult to treat. As mentioned before, diseases such as syphilis and HIV are among the most prevalent and destructive in societies. The Gonorrhea & Chlamydia test analyzes a sample taken from your body to determine whether you carry any of these infections. In-house STI PCR tests are also beneficial to the patients in that they ensure privacy.
The Final Words
The PCR test is considered one of the greatest inventions in modern medicine in recent years. It is used to provide diagnosis with greater speed and accuracy on many diseases and infections that would even be impossible to imagine without this method of laboratory testing. Apart from monitoring HIV infection or even the pandemic flu, there are also other causes of illnesses that these common seven PCR tests help in assessing, such as sexually transmitted diseases. Undertaking these examinations is vital as they keep you updated on your wellbeing and they also prevent the spread of infections to others.
