PCR test
noun
plural PCR tests
: a test in which genetic material from a sample undergoes amplification (see amplification sense 1b) and that is used for forensic, diagnostic, or research purposes (as for DNA fingerprinting or detection of pathogens and genetic disorders) : a test utilizing polymerase chain reaction
Police use the PCR test because … it provides quick information on whether there's a link between evidence and a suspect …—
Shirley E. Perlman
Shirley E. PerlmanMpox can be diagnosed using a PCR test from a sample collected from the rash.—Allen Limos
Allen LimosTraditionally, women with signs of womb cancer would need a transvaginal ultrasound scan … in order to confirm or rule out disease. The new PCR test is a simple swab, which is sent off to a laboratory for analysis. Scientists then look for changes in the DNA that indicate whether womb cancer is present or not.—The Daily Telegraph (London)
The Daily Telegraph (London)
PCR testing
noun
PCR testing soared during the pandemic as the go-to, drive-through, quick-turnaround way to discover if you had COVID.
—Roberta Baker
Roberta Baker
Examples of PCR test in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Nebraska lab, which supports the National Quarantine Unit, is trying to bridge that gap by using its PCR test to try and determine if people at the quarantine unit and elsewhere in the country who may have been exposed to sick passengers have the virus.
—Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 18 May 2026
For high-priority situations, a PCR test for viral illnesses can usually be done in several hours.
—Lauren Dunn, NBC news, 7 May 2026
Note that antibody tests look to see if the immune system is producing antibodies against the virus, while PCR tests look for the presence of the virus' genetic material.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 5 May 2026
Since about 2010, samples have been tested with GeneXpert, a nucleic acid amplification PCR test that can identify TB and simultaneously detect resistance to the antibiotic Rifampin in about two hours, using an expensive ($20,000-$30,000) specialized machine with high ongoing maintenance costs.
—Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 23 Mar. 2026
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Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 18 May 2026
For high-priority situations, a PCR test for viral illnesses can usually be done in several hours.
—Lauren Dunn, NBC news, 7 May 2026
Note that antibody tests look to see if the immune system is producing antibodies against the virus, while PCR tests look for the presence of the virus' genetic material.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 5 May 2026
Since about 2010, samples have been tested with GeneXpert, a nucleic acid amplification PCR test that can identify TB and simultaneously detect resistance to the antibiotic Rifampin in about two hours, using an expensive ($20,000-$30,000) specialized machine with high ongoing maintenance costs.
—Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“PCR test.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/PCR%20test. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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