L7 Additional RNA tests

Question 1

what do molecular tests detect

Answer 1

presence of the viral RNA

Question 2

what do antigen tests detect

Answer 2

the presence of viral antigens

Question 3

what do antibody tests detect

Answer 3

the presence of host-produced AB against an infection

Question 4

What are general features of the Taqman probe

Answer 4

it is an oligo linked to a reporter and a quencher, it has two desirable properties: (both) 5’ to 3’ polymerase and exonuclease activity

Question 5

What is an advantage of the taqman probe

Answer 5

requires both forward and reverse primers but only fluoresces if the probe (specific to a sequence) is hydrolyzed

Question 6

what is RNAase p and why is it important in rRT-qPCR

Answer 6

ribonuclease in humans required for processing; it is used as a positive control and quality control to ensure that the sample has the minimal amount of starting material for a reaction

Question 7

what are the pros of rRT-qPCR

Answer 7

Most sensitive and highly specific

Question 8

what are the cons of rRT-qPCR

Answer 8

Requires RNA extractions, trained personnel, and specialized equipment