The importance of RT-PCR in the Covid-19 pandemic

In the current context of the pandemic caused by the new coronavirus (Covid-19), the importance of a correct diagnosis for confirming and excluding new cases has been emphasized. With this text, we aim to present the biological basis of Covid-19 diagnosis using the RT-PCR technique that has been employed by clinical analysis laboratories around the world.The acronym RT-PCR stands for reverse transcriptase reaction followed by polymerase chain reaction. With this nomenclature, we understand that two reactions are necessary for the final result. But, how do we start? The process begins with the collection of a nasal sample or oropharyngeal swab from the person suspected of having the disease. From this sample, all RNA present will be extracted, including that of the virus if it is present. With the extracted RNA, the first reaction takes place, which is the reverse transcriptase reaction. In other words, we transform RNA, which is a single-stranded nucleic acid, into a double strand that will be called complementary DNA.