Nucleic acid test
from class: Microbiology Definition A nucleic acid test (NAT) detects specific genetic material from pathogens like viruses or bacteria in a sample. It is highly sensitive and can identify infections even at low levels of pathogen presence.
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Predict what's on your test 5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test Nucleic acid tests are essential for early detection of viral infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Zika virus. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a common method used in NAT to amplify the genetic material of pathogens. NATs can be performed on various sample types, including blood, saliva, and other bodily fluids. These tests are crucial for screening blood donations to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases through transfusions. Nucleic acid tests provide faster results compared to traditional culture methods, making them invaluable in clinical diagnostics. Review Questions What is the primary purpose of a nucleic acid test? Which method is commonly used in nucleic acid tests to amplify genetic material? Why are nucleic acid tests important in the context of blood donation?
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