Definition of RT-PCR

RT-PCR: RT-PCR (Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) is a highly sensitive technique for the detection and quantitation of mRNA (messenger RNA). The technique consists of two parts:

1) The synthesis of cDNA (complementary DNA) from RNA by reverse transcription (RT) and

2) The amplification of a specific cDNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RT-PCR has been approved by the FDA as a test to measure viral load with HIV. It may also be used with other RNA viruses such as measles, mumps, and metapneumovirus.

See also: Polymerase chain reaction and HCV PCR.