In the context of disease diagnosis, PCR can detect the presence of pathogen-specific DNA or RNA in clinical samples. This is particularly useful for identifying pathogens that are difficult to culture or require long incubation periods. For example, PCR has become a standard method for diagnosing viral infections like HIV, Hepatitis B, and COVID-19. The high sensitivity and specificity of PCR allow for early detection, which is crucial for timely intervention and treatment.
