nur kurze, aber charakteristische RNA Abschnitte mittels selektiven Primern vervielfältigt und dann deren Existenz nachgewiesen.

https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/Understanding-COVID-19-PCR-Testing

Genomic research has been central to understanding and combating the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a laboratory technique that uses selective primers to “copy” specific segments of a DNA (oder RNA wie beim Coronavirus von SARS-CoV 2) sequence.

COVID-19 PCR tests use primers that match a segment of the virus’s genetic material. This allows many copies of that material to be made, which can be used to detect whether or not the virus is present.

A positive COVID-19 PCR test means that SARS-CoV-2 is present. A negative result could either mean that the sample did not contain any virus or that there is too little viral genetic material in the sample to be detected.

Es ist also nicht nötig, das komplette RNA Genom des Virus mit knapp 30000 Basenpaaren zu duplizieren.

DT