PCR means polymerase chain reaction. It’s a test to detect genetic material from a specific organism, such as a virus. RTPCR test detects the presence of a virus if you have the virus at the time of the test. The test could also detect fragments of the virus even after you are no longer infected. The RT-PCR test is the most dependable and secure way of diagnosing COVID-19. The Covid-19 RTPCR test is so sensitive, it can detect very small amounts of virus material.