PCR
abbreviation
polymerase chain reaction
The tests use a method called polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, to detect genetic materials—bits of viral RNA—that are present in the body when the virus is active.—
Denise Chow
Denise ChowCite this Entry
“PCR.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/PCR. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.
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