RT-PCR
RT-PCR (Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) is a highly sensitive technique for the detection and quantitation of mRNA (messenger RNA).
The technique consists of two parts:</P> 1) The synthesis of cDNA (complementary DNA) from RNA by reverse transcription (RT) and</P> 2) The amplification of a specific cDNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).</P> RT-PCR has been approved by the FDA as a test to measure viral load with HIV.
It may also be used with other RNA viruses such as measles, mumps, and metapneumovirus.</P> See also: Polymerase chain reaction and HCV PCR.