polymerase chain reaction

(MedPage Today) -- Real-time polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) assays of saliva samples are accurate for detecting congenital cytomegalovirus infection in newborns, researchers found.

(Wiley-Blackwell) New research shows that polymerase chain reaction testing for Borrelia burgdorferi DNA -- the spirochetal bacteria transmitted by deer ticks -- in joint fluid may confirm the diagnosis of Lyme arthritis, but is not a reliable indicator for active joint infection in patients whose arthritis persists after antibiotic therapy.

Findings of this study are published in Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

(Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News) Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology is experiencing a surge of interest and rapid expansion as a result of advances such as instrumentation that pushes capacity to 1,536 wells and optimization-free multiplexing, reports Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News.

The technique's ability to both detect and simultaneously quantify specific DNA sequences is increasing its use in basic research and diagnostics, according to the Nov. 15 issue of GEN.