Covid diagnostics and mould analysis

Were it not for the pandemic, very few people outside the sciences would ever have heard of quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). 

However, the arrival of the pandemic showed us all the importance of a fast and reliable method for diagnosis and it soon became clear that PCR was by far the best technology for testing for the disease. This ensured that this particular technique for analysing microbial DNA would become a buzzword around the world. 

However, PCR testing was not developed specifically for Covid. It has a long history in scientific research, and can be tailored to detect DNA or RNA from any given organism. 

At HouseTest we use quantitative PCR to detect hidden mould or bacteria in buildings – in essence diagnosing the building with a microbial infestation that are not otherwise measurable. By using this technique, we can accurately specify and quantify mould spores in building dust or air that have been emitted by a growth area and which can cause serious harm to the inhabitants.  

What is qPCR?

qPCR (Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a technique used to identify microbial material, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. The technique was first developed in the early 1980s and became widely used in microbiological research in the 2000s. 

How does qPCR work?

qPCR works by targeting a particular DNA sequence and making billions of copies of it in order to amplify it. 

Why is qPCR useful for identifying mould?

qPCR analysis is useful for identifying mould because it is highly sensitive to mould DNA and highly accurate. 

Using qPCR also makes it possible to accurately determine the species of mould that are present. This allows analysts to distinguish between species that are naturally present in the outdoor air and species that only grow in damp indoor environments. In other words, accurately identifying mould species makes it possible to distinguish between problematic mould growth and mould more generally.