Fully informed: the glossary for molecular laboratory diagnostics
The most important terms at a glance
Glossary
Cq value
The cq value indicates the PCR cycle in which the fluorescence signal exceeds a minimum signal threshold.
DNA
The Deoxyribonucleic acid is the material carrier of the hereditary, genetic information in all living things and DNA viruses.
DNA amplification
The DNA amplification is one of the five steps that run automatically in the Vivalytic Analyser when testing a sample. Specific gene sequences are multiplicated by means of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
DNA extraction
The DNA extraction is one of the five steps that run automatically in the Vivalytic Analyser when testing a sample. A specialized filtering process is used to separate the nucleic acid from interfering cell components and inhibitors and to concentrate it for the polymerase chain reaction.
Genome
The genome represents all material carriers of the genetic information of a cell or virus particle.
Lysis
Lysis is cell disruption, during which the membrane of cells is destroyed.
Microarray
This is a chip technology for detecting DNA.
Multiplex test
A multiplex test enables the simultaneous detection of several pathogens.
Nucleocapsid
The nucleocapsid is a component made up of the viral envelope and the nucleic acid (DNA/RNA).
PCR test
PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction. This method allows DNA sequences to be replicated. It is the standard method for identifying viruses in a sample.
Real-time PCR
This is a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) in which the replication of the DNA sequence can be observed in real time.
RNA
Ribonucleic acid is the material carrier of genetic information in RNA viruses and the information carrier for the translation of genetic information into proteins as mRNA (messenger RNA).
Singleplex test
A singleplex test enables the detection of one pathogen.