The polymerase chain reaction test, or PCR as it's usually known, is a test used to detect the identity of specific DNA using only a piece of the DNA strand. The test involves using DNA polymerase, an enzyme that helps copy or repair DNA, to rapidly make millions or more copies of the piece of DNA.
Once these millions of copies of the DNA segment are produced, they can be tested in various ways to detect the source of the DNA segment. PCR is used to:
- Diagnose some malignant cancers
- Identify the "owner" as in paternity or forensics cases
- Detect genetic disorders
- Detect and identify bacteria and viruses
PCR is often used in dermatology to determine if a rash is caused by a virus such as the herpes simplex virus or varicella-zoster virus.
Sources:
Lo, AC, and SR Feldman. "Polymerase Chain Reaction: Basic Concepts and Clinical Applications in Dermatology." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 30-2 Pt 1(1994): 250-60.
"Polymerase Chain Reaction."Mosby's Medical, Nursing, and Allied Health Dictionary. 6th ed. New York: Mosby, 2002: 1368.
