What is Molecular PCR Testing?
Molecular PCR testing, (Polymerase Chain Reaction), tests on a molecular level that identifies if a specific genetic sequence of RNA and DNA is present. Think of a specific area on or in your body as the basket for one of those crane machines that you play at an arcade. The swab gets the “basket” of bacteria and the machine at the lab will look at it on a molecular level to see if a specific gene is present, like COVID-19 for example. The nurse will swab the specific area to collect all of the bacteria and particles in that space. They put the swab in a container and ship it back to the lab who use a machine like the crane to sift through the bacteria, looking for any strand of the RNA and DNA of a particular virus. With these tests they can also find out whether or not someone will be asymptomatic or show symptoms from the virus.
Does PCR only work for COVID?
Since COVID-19 isn’t the only virus floating around the world, our labs can also do a full Respiratory Panel (RPP) to check for other pathogens like Influenza and Pneumonia among others. This same method of testing can be used for Wounds, Urinary, GI, Eyes, Ears and any other Viral and Bacterial Specimens that can be accessed with a swab. It has been around for a while, and is much more effective than other testing methods being used, but it hasn’t picked up its popularity until more recently with the Covid-19 Pandemic. Because of how much more effective this testing method is, healthcare facilities have been better able to find the root cause of the infected area. As a result, doctors are able to treat the patient with a specific antibiotic designed to kill the root cause of the infection on the first try instead of trying out a bunch of different antibiotics until one seems to work, damaging the ability for future antibiotics to have an effect.
Overall Benefits of Molecular PCR:
- Eliminates the need for traditional culturing. A molecular PCR test gets faster and more accurate results.
- Eliminates the need for Broad Spectrum Antibiotics.
- Helps maintain compliance with the Core Elements of Stewardship in Antibiotics and Medication categories.
Testing Process
I make the testing process smooth and easy. You will send me an order request of what types of tests (COVID, UTI, wound, etc.) and how many you need. I can have the tests shipped over night, if needed. You’ll administer the tests and then ship them back to the lab to be processed. You’ll receive the results within 24-48 hours. The results can be viewed in real time on a user friendly portal.
PCR Molecular Testing vs. Traditional Culturing
As you are already familiar with, traditional culturing typically takes 5-10 days to get results. PCR is around 24-48 hours or sooner.
Studies have shown that up to 80% of urine cultures are negative but research has also shown that 67% of uropathogens are missed in a traditional urine culture and 50% in patients with severe urinary symptoms.
One other drawback is that the tests are not precise enough to find the root cause of the infection or if there are multiple strands of infections.
PCR Molecular testing is done on the molecular level in which the lab identifies if a specific genetic sequence of RNA and DNA is present. Because of the methodology, PCR molecular tests have the highest level of accuracy rating at 94% sensitivity. Also, the turnaround time is much quicker because there is no growth needed from the sample. Generally, all results are given within 24-48 hours of shipping the sample back to the lab. (This is the by far the most common and accurate testing being used for COVID-19)
We are still seeing supply shortages for testing supplies and prolonged turnaround times in obtaining results due to spikes in demand for testing at the labs and with mandatory testing it looks as if it may be some time before supply catches up with demand. We now have a window to plan and prepare for a resurgence that might just come as soon as Fall’s Flu Season.
Molecular PCR is still your first and best line of defense against what may be coming and it is low impact and no cost to your Patients/Residents or your organization. Our implementation will not disrupt your daily operations because the methods for collection will not change.
With the Coronavirus occupying the News Cycle round the clock, it is important to educate and equip as many as possible when it comes to Preparation, Prevention and actions to take in case there is an event in your facility. Molecular PCR Technology aligns perfectly with your current protocols. My intent is to assist you in preparing your team with the best tools possible for you to give the best response possible in case of an event to give you the best outcome possible.