A Critical Study on Effectiveness of Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in Covid-19 Detection

Abstract

The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is now widely considered the most reliable method for identifying the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. RT-PCR identifies viral RNA in respiratory samples, such as swabs taken from the nose and throat, by amplifying certain genetic sequences. Although RT-PCR testing is effective, it encounters various obstacles such as the requirement for advanced laboratory infrastructure, skilled workers, and longer processing durations in comparison to fast antigen tests. Currently, COVID-19 is recognized as a worldwide public health crisis by the World Health Organization (WHO). Therefore, it is crucial to identify and prevent the spread of this disease in order to manage this emergency effectively. RT-PCR is a highly precise laboratory technique used to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 with great sensitivity. The method relies on the swift identification of SARS-CoV-2 by the qualitative detection of its genetic material. This assay identifies the specific locations of the primer and probe sets inside various sections of the SARS-CoV-2 genome.