PCR SWAB Question

[Roo123]

Hi just wondering regarding PCR swabs if I swabbed a sore and it took around 3 working days to reach the lab and another 2 to test it would  HSV cells still be on it? 

 

How long would the virus stay on the swab for us basically what I’m asking ! 

 

Thanks 👌

[WilsoInAus]

The virions are still there, it doesn’t matter if they are deactivated for PCR purposes.

The PCR can literally find a handful of viral copies if present.

[Roo123]

Ok thanks so if  a sore was swabbed and it did have the HSV DNA on It wouldn’t matter if it took a week to test the PCR test would still pick it up ? Not less chance say If it was tested the next day ?

[WilsoInAus]

9 hours ago, Roo123 said:

Ok thanks so if  a sore was swabbed and it did have the HSV DNA on It wouldn’t matter if it took a week to test the PCR test would still pick it up ? Not less chance say If it was tested the next day ?

No difference for PCR, DNA is neither alive nor dead, it’s just shrapnel. If it’s there, PCR will find it.