RT-PCR TESTS FOR CLINICS
Clinical analysis in authorised centres for the diagnosis of covid-19
ATimmunolab is an authorised centre by the community of Madrid for the diagnosis and research of covid-19. We currently have a diagnosis service for SARS-CoV-2 using the RT-PCR technique (real-time PCR).
Where canget the RT-PCR test?
In order to perform the RT-PCR test, you need a prescription and a nasopharyngeal or uropharyngeal exudate sample.
You can get the RT-PCR test in:
ALTIOREM
Centro MédicoMadrid
ALTIOREM
Centro Médico
c/ Diego de León 47 | Madrid
915 634 504 – 915 638 479
infoweb@altiorem.com
www.altiorem.com
RT-PCR test service for clinics
Laboratory certified by the Ministry of Health in the community of Madrid
ATimmunolab is an authorised laboratory as a Microbiological Diagnosis Centre Certified by the Ministry of Health in the community of Madrid thought to carry out RT- PCR tests (registered with the number CS12556)
QUALITY IN ATIMMUNOLAB
Our clinical analysis laboratory works with a regularly documented, traceable and verified Quality System.
In ATimmunolab we work with an excellent human team formed by professionals in different fields: microbiologists, pharmacists and biologists just to mention some of them.
Specialized professionals trained in this technique carry out this type of diagnosis.
All material used in the laboratory is CE and CE-IVD certified, which guarantees the safety and reliability of the diagnostic tests.
Get the RT-PCR test
The most accurate microbiological diagnosis of covid-19 is based on the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 genetic material using the RT-PCR test.
Highest reliability RT-PCR tests
RT-PCR diagnosis tests carried out in ATimmunolab are backed by the world’s reliability leading brand Thermofisher®. These units provide excellent sensitivity and specificity of the results.
How RT-PCR tests work
RT-PCR: Polymerase chain reaction
The polymerase chain reaction technique intends to detect the virus genome, the RNA of the SARS-CoV-2, in the nasopharynx and oropharyngeal samples of the patient.
The real-time PCR (RT-PCR) is based on the amplification of the genetic material of the patient’s sample. This amplification generates a type of fluorescence that allows interpreting and diagnosing.
Particularly, for the SARS-CoV-2 we use the RT-PCR because a previous step is required: turning viral RNA into cDNA with reverse transcription, as coronavirus is a type of RNA virus and the PCR amplifies the DNA.
Subsequently, a thermal cycler denatures the cDNA by splitting the double chain of nucleotides, hybridizes the first and amplifies the genetic material in various successive cycles of denaturing, hybridization and amplification, everything based on the use of a stable polymerase in high temperatures.
Get the RT-PCR test
The most accurate microbiological diagnosis of covid-19 is based on the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 genetic material using the RT-PCR test.
Leading-edge technology in RT-PCR tests
QuantStudio 5 Real-Time PCR System
QuantStudio 5 Real-Time PCR System (produced by ThermoFisher) can process up to 94 samples simultaneously in less than two hours.
The equipment has been designed to avoid wrong diagnoses such as false positives or false negatives. To do so:
An adequate RNA extraction process is performed using cold and differentiated cabins to prevent breaking down and contaminating genetic material making sure the extraction with the use of FAGO MS2 control is correct.
In the thermocycling phase a positive control is used whereas during the whole diagnosis process a negative one is used.
The fluorescent graphics are correctly interpreted after thermocycling.
To interpret data we use the covid-19 Interpretive Software, validated with the PCR QuantStudio 5 equipment.
The joint use of the detection kit TaqPath covid-19 Combo Kit together with the extraction process with MagMAX Viral/Pathogen II Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit and the QuantStudio 5 0.1ml Block equipment, as well as the Interpretive Software, all have been approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) since April 2020. Moreover, the TaqPath covid-19 CE-IVD RT-PCR kit is fully CE Compliant.
Sensitivity and specificity of the RT-PCR analysis equipment
Specificity of diagnosis with the clinical analysis of RT-PCR carried out in the centre of Madrid is above 95%, as it is based in a technique which amplifies genome, focusing on genes such as N protein, S protein and the ORF1ab region, specific for SARS-CoV-2 (TaqPath detection kit).
As for its sensitivity, it detects true positives and it is very high because of the exponential amplifying process of the genome itself. Either way, this sensitivity varies depending on the viral load of the patient due to the presence of neutralising antibodies the moment the reaction of the immune system of the infected patient takes place.
