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. 2009 Jan;40(1):1-11.
doi: 10.1590/S1517-83822009000100001. Epub 2009 Mar 1.

Principles and applications of polymerase chain reaction in medical diagnostic fields: a review

Marcela Agne Alves Valones  1 , Rafael Lima Guimarães, Lucas André Cavalcanti Brandão, Paulo Roberto Eleutério de Souza, Alessandra de Albuquerque Tavares Carvalho, Sergio Crovela
Affiliations

Principles and applications of polymerase chain reaction in medical diagnostic fields: a review

Marcela Agne Alves Valones et al. Braz J Microbiol. 2009 Jan.

Abstract

Recent developments in molecular methods have revolutionized the detection and characterization of microorganisms in a broad range of medical diagnostic fields, including virology, mycology, parasitology, microbiology and dentistry. Among these methods, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has generated great benefits and allowed scientific advancements. PCR is an excellent technique for the rapid detection of pathogens, including those difficult to culture. Along with conventional PCR techniques, Real-Time PCR has emerged as a technological innovation and is playing an ever-increasing role in clinical diagnostics and research laboratories. Due to its capacity to generate both qualitative and quantitative results, Real-Time PCR is considered a fast and accurate platform. The aim of the present literature review is to explore the clinical usefulness and potential of both conventional PCR and Real-Time PCR assays in diverse medical fields, addressing its main uses and advances.

Keywords: Conventional PCR; Methods of molecular detection; Molecular Biology; Real-Time PCR.

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