Why do we use PCR tests?

PCR testing is a process used in molecular biology to detect and quantify small quantities of DNA or
RNA from cells. It involves repeated rounds of heating and cooling the DNA sample until it becomes
sufficiently degraded (or "denatured") for detection by specific enzymes. These enzymes lead to a
series of chemical reactions that produce molecules called nucleotides, which can be visualized by
electrophoresis on an agarose gel. Once the test result is known, it can be compared with other tests
performed with different primers, or evaluated using software that transforms raw data into real data
analysis (e.g., R).

PCR testing can be used in many different ways: diagnosis, forensic science, cloning animals, paternity
testing...etc. The technique of PCR has been extensively tested in order to ascertain its accuracy and
reliability. However, not all tests that use PCR are created equal because the technology is susceptible
to both human error and cross-contamination from other types of testing procedures. To date, all
myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) blood tests have been
performed by PCR testing.
The reason for this is quite simple: The law requires that when a sample is sent to a laboratory it must
be tested for the presence or absence of infection or disease such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C,
cytomegalovirus (CMV), syphilis and tuberculosis. The PCR (genetic) technique is the most cost-
effective and most accurate method of testing for these diseases.
Most laboratories that perform blood tests use DNA extraction kits to screen for viral infections such
as HIV, hepatitis B and C. After the blood sample is collected by a health care worker, it is brought to
the laboratory where it is filtered through a device called a cell strainer (usually made out of nylon
mesh). The cells are then mixed with lysis buffer and broken apart so that they can be sucked up by
the tube. The mixture is then heated to denature the proteins so that they can be separated from the
DNA.