Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
PCR Process
Denaturing: DNA double Helix "unwinds" and "unzips"/separates
Annealing: Aligning complimentary nucleotide base pairs
Extension: chain of newly formed DNA elongates
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How PCR testing works
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Obtain a specimen (wound/nail, urine, nasopharyngeal secretions). These samples contain the patient's DNA and potentially a pathogen's DNA.
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Complete and sign lab requisition.
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Send the sample to the lab
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Specimen is physically and chemically "washed" in order to remove dead DNA
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Specimen is placed in the thermocycler
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Results reported within 24 hours
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PCR vs. Culture
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Antibiotic Resistance - A Global Crisis
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) identifies pathogens by detecting the pathogen's DNA in the provided specimen. Results turnaround within 24 hours unlike traditional culture which takes 3-5 days to grow any pathogen and provide results.
PCR is a method that "amplifies" (copies) DNA. Small, targeted segments of DNA become easier to "see" when amplified over and over. PCR allows for identification of polymicrobial infections. Unlike traditional culture, PCR is unaffected by recent antibiotic use since it is checking for DNA of pathogens rather than attempting to grow pathogens as in culture. So, regardless of whether antibiotics are on board or not, PCR testing is relevant and effective. What else can PCR do?
Detects if there is a pathogen(s) causing infection
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Tells the provider which drug to NOT give due to resistance genes
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Offers treatment considerations of preferred and alternative antimicrobials
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Supports the provider-patient relationship with excellence in service and care
"RevMed works with leading labs that focus on PCR, the industry's top technology for quick, accurate results"
According to the CDC's 2019 report in Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States (see link 1) more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the U.S. each year. Unfortunately, more than 35,000 people die as a result. It is predicted that by 2050, 10 million people may die each year due to drug-resistant infections (see link 2). What can be done to combat antibiotic resistance? ​ What if we could know the pathogen's resistance and target treatment to avoid antimicrobials that would cause resistance yet utilize antimicrobials that are effective? A method like that would provide antibiotic stewardship. This is exactly what PCR can do for you. Our PCR results tell you not only the problem pathogen(s), but their resistance genes, as well as preferred and alternative treatment options which the provider considers in light of the patient's presenting symptoms and medical history. The decision to treat with antimicrobials or provide supportive care is ultimately within the context of the provider-patient relationship. RevMed exists to support you in that relationship whether you are the patient or the provider.
Antibiotic or more accurately antimicrobial resistance is a microorganism’s ability to survive contact with antimicrobials designed to kill them. When this occurs, treatments become ineffective for curing infections. Passive resistance is when pathogen X, let's say a bacterium, that would normally be susceptible to an antibiotic actually displays resistance to the antibiotic because it is in an environment where a resistant bacterium Y is protecting bacterium X from being disarmed by the antibiotic. The point is we need to avoid creating an environment where susceptible bacteria are protected by resistant bacteria. PCR testing equips providers to be judicious with antibiotic prescription and provides personalized medicine through targeted rather than empirical therapy.
Antimicrobial Resistance - Deep Dive
