During pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, qPCR has been a cornerstone for diagnosing the disease, monitoring the spread, and understanding the epidemiology of the virus. It has been used to: - Detect and Confirm Cases: qPCR is the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19 by detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus in respiratory samples. - Track Variants: It helps in identifying and tracking new variants of the virus, which is crucial for understanding changes in transmissibility and virulence. - Assess Public Health Interventions: By quantifying viral load in different populations, qPCR data can help evaluate the effectiveness of public health measures such as lockdowns and vaccination campaigns.
