In the article, we will consider how the analysis of PCR for 12 infections is carried out.
A modern research methodology for determining the infection in the body is PCR diagnostics. This method is based on the use of polymerase chain reaction, which allows to identify pathogens. Moreover, how the pathological process proceeds, in acute or chronic form, does not affect the accuracy of the results. Some doctors do not make a final diagnosis without carrying out this study. PCR analysis for 12 infections can now be done in any private laboratory.
What infections can be detected?
This method is very popular not only because the results of this study can be obtained after about 5 hours, but also because of the possibility of detecting several infections simultaneously.
PCR analysis for 12 infections includes:
- HIV is one of the most dangerous infections in the world, which is included in the category of STDs.
- Hepatitis of various varieties.
- Epstein Virus - Barr.
- Herpes of the first and second types.
- Sexually transmitted infections, that is, those belonging to the STD group - mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis, etc.
- Cytomegalovirus.
- Listeriosis.
- Bacteria that provoke the development of tuberculosis.
- Helicobacter pylori infection.
- Tick-borne encephalitis.
- HPV and its many varieties.
- Candidiasis infection.
PCR is very convenient to use - the results of the study are known after 5 hours, which is why this method is very practical.
Areas of use
The number of pathologies that are detected by analysis of PCR for 12 infections includes many that are sexually transmitted. Therefore, the technique under consideration is applied in the following areas:
- oncological medical practice;
- gastroenterology;
- pulmonology;
- gynecology;
- urology;
- phthisiology.
In almost all cases, PCR analysis for 12 infections can be performed to identify active or latent forms.
How is the study conducted?
As noted earlier, the diagnosis of infectious processes is a fairly accurate method that must be carried out in the laboratory. An important condition can also be called the correctness of the collection of analyzes. The determination of foreign DNA and RNA occurs during the examination of various biological fluids. An exception to this rule is the detection of a sexually transmitted virus: in this case, an analysis of the secretions from the genital tract is carried out.
Not everyone knows how to take PCR for 12 infections.
In other cases, for example, when identifying the causative agents of HIV, herpes, hepatitis, etc., the patient’s blood is taken. Urine or an oral swab may also be required. In case of dangerous pathological conditions or suspicion of them, cerebrospinal fluid can be taken for research.
Deciphering the results of this study
A quantitative PCR analysis of 12 infections is quite simple. Only a specialist can decrypt the results. In the case when it is necessary to obtain the result as quickly as possible, within five hours, it is necessary to conduct this diagnostic method. An important point is that studies on latent infections can give a negative or positive answer. A negative indicates that there is no infectious agent in the body. In the case of a positive study, the doctor should prescribe antiviral therapy - antibiotics, as well as treatment aimed at strengthening the immune system.
The PCR method makes it possible to identify pathogens that are in an inactive phase of their life. Such are, for example, herpes and HPV. Estimating the number of pathogen cells, one can establish the fact how active a particular pathological process is in the patient's body. The quantitative result of the analysis allows you to find out the exact stage of development of a particular disease.
In some cases, a dubious result can be obtained when the number of copies determined by the study corresponds to the upper limits of the norm. In order to accurately identify the cause of the development of the disease, it is necessary to repeat the analysis, paying particular attention to the collection of biological material.
What materials are examined in this analysis?
Different biological fluids and human environments can serve as biomaterial for a PCR study on 12 infections in which foreign DNA of a pathogenic bacterium or RNA and virus DNA can be determined:
- Blood, serum, plasma. Used for PCR of hepatitis B, D, C, G viruses, herpes, HIV, CMV, studies of human genes.
- Urine. It can be used for infectious lesions of the female urinary organs and urogenital tract of men (the use of urine as a biomaterial can replace epithelial scraping).
- Sputum. It is used to diagnose tuberculosis and, in some cases, to diagnose respiratory types of mycoplasmosis and chlamydia. Sputum in an amount of 20 milliliters is collected in a disposable sterile vial.
- Other biological fluids. Pleural, amniotic, cerebrospinal, articular fluid, prostate juice, saliva, bronchoalveolar lavage - are taken only in the presence of strict indications.
- Biopsy specimens. Most often, biopsy specimens of the duodenum and stomach are used to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection.
- Epithelial scrapings from the mucous membranes. They are usually used to diagnose sexually transmitted pathologies, such as, for example, gonorrhea, mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, gardnerellosis, trichomoniasis, herpetic and other infections affecting the mucous membrane.
To pass the analysis of PCR for 12 infections, you must first prepare.
Preparing for the test
The reliability of the results of PCR studies depends on the correct delivery of biological material. The material should not be contaminated, otherwise the results of laboratory tests will not be objective. The list of the most important recommendations before passing a PCR laboratory analysis includes the following:
- urine should be taken in the morning in a sterile container;
- blood for the presence of infections should be given in the morning, on an empty stomach;
- the day before this study is not recommended to show sexual activity.
The result of such an analysis can be ready in five hours, but most often the time for deciphering the results depends on the technical equipment of the medical laboratory and the workload of the staff and ranges from one and a half to two days after the procedure. There are also situations where the patient can get the results on the same day.
So, does it make sense to take PCR?
How accurate is this diagnosis?
The PCR technique is specific, highly accurate and sensitive. This means that this laboratory analysis is capable of:
- reliably determine the presence or absence of an infectious infection;
- indicate exactly the type of infectious pathogen (specificity);
- detect infectious infection even with an extremely low level of DNA content of pathogenic microorganisms in the biological material subjected to the study (sensitivity).
PCR analysis for 12 infections in the Hemotest
Hemotest is a network of medical laboratories, founded in 2003 and providing services to corporate clients and individuals. Today it is a leader in the domestic market among diagnostic laboratories.
In franchising and in-house establishments of the company the following types of services are provided:
- PCR tests (including twelve infections);
- consultations with doctors in order to decipher the necessary studies;
- biomaterial fence with personal barcodes;
- customer registration in the common system;
- analysis results.
The quality of laboratory tests is confirmed by international certificates.