PCR in gynecology (polymerase chain reaction method) is a method of identifying pathogens of various infectious diseases, which is based on the determination of their genetic material taken from the patient. In carrying out this study, the material is placed in a special, so-called reactor. As the test sample can act: secretion, blood, mucus. Special enzymatic elements are added to the sample taken. With their help, a copy of the DNA of the pathogen is synthesized. This reaction is of a chain nature. For this method and got its name.
When is it applied?
Diagnosis of infection by PCR is a complex process, the deciphering of the results of which are dealt with by specialists. This method helps to identify many hidden infections that are included in the PCR:
- papillomavirus;
- urogenital (chlamydia, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis ).
PCR is the main method for diagnosing HIV infection.
Explanation
After the diagnosis of infections using the PCR method, the results of the investigation are deciphered. In this case, two formulations are used: "negative result" and "positive result".
With a positive result, doctors can confidently say that there is one or another causative agent in the subject's body. A negative result indicates a complete absence of infection in the human body.
Advantages of PCR
This method of diagnosis has many advantages, the main ones of which are:
- Direct diagnosis of the presence of the pathogen in the body. Other methods of diagnosis can reveal the content in the body of only protein-markers. PCR also directly indicates the presence in the body of the subject a particular pathogen.
- High degree of specificity. This is due to the fact that in the specimen of the material studied by the physicians
the region of the DNA chain of the pathogen is identified, by which it is identified. - High sensitivity of the method. The PCR method makes it possible to identify single virus cells. This property is invaluable, since many pathogens are inherently opportunistic and dangerous to human health in only a large number. Thanks to PCR, the infection can be established without waiting for the moment the pathogen multiplies.
- The ability to simultaneously diagnose several pathogens, taking only one sample of the material.