Molecular Biology/Genetics USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 26-year-old woman presents with fever (38.9°C), myalgias, and nonproductive cough during a novel RNA respiratory virus outbreak. Vital signs show HR 102 bpm, RR 20/min, BP 118/76 mmHg, and SpO2 98% on room air. Nasopharyngeal swab shows positive rapid antigen test. However, confirmatory testing with higher sensitivity is needed. Which laboratory technique most appropriately identifies this novel RNA virus from the clinical specimen?
Answer choices
- AFluorescence in situ hybridization
- BWestern blot
- CSouthern blot
- DReverse transcription polymerase chain reactionCorrect answer
- EFlow cytometry
- FReal-time quantitative PCR without reverse transcription
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