Learn About COVID-19 Testing

Using Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in COVID-19 Testing

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Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) enables researchers to produce billions of copies of a specific DNA sequence and is a featured technique in several DNALC-developed laboratory protocols. Participants in our field trips, camps, and workshops have been doing PCR experiments since 1995!

Check out these additional resources:

Other related links:

  • Some viruses store genetic information in RNA : This animation from DNA from the Beginning gives a detailed look at the Nobel-winning discovery of the enzyme reverse transcriptase, which allows SARS-CoV-2 to convert RNA into DNA.
  • Why your kid can explain the COVID-19 test : Learn one student's experience with PCR in this Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory news story.
  • The Bumbling Biochemist: Brianna Bibel is a graduate student studying biochemistry and structural biology at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's Watson School of Biological Sciences. Her blog explains fundamentals of biochemistry, including several COVID-19 resources, and provides a window into the life of a biomedical science Ph.D. student.

LabCorp COVID-19 Testing Overview

Learn how LabCorp performs COVID-19 testing. For more information, visit http://www.labcorp.com/covid-19.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (Interactive)

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Polymerase Chain Reaction (Video)