How long does a tick PCR take? - briefly
A tick PCR assay typically needs 4–6 hours for DNA extraction, amplification, and data analysis; when sample preparation is included, the overall turnaround time is generally completed within one working day.
How long does a tick PCR take? - in detail
The complete workflow for detecting tick‑borne pathogens by polymerase chain reaction typically spans 6 – 24 hours from receipt of the specimen to delivery of results.
The first stage, collection of the tick and its shipment to the laboratory, requires 30 minutes to several hours, depending on logistics and temperature control. Once the specimen arrives, it is logged and stored at –20 °C or –80 °C until processing.
DNA extraction constitutes the most time‑consuming manual step. Commercial spin‑column kits or magnetic‑bead systems generate purified nucleic acid in 45 minutes to 1 hour for a single tick; automated platforms reduce this to 20 minutes per sample but may involve batch processing that adds 30 minutes of queue time.
PCR setup—mix preparation, addition of primers, probes, and template—takes approximately 10 minutes for a small batch (≤8 reactions). Larger batches require proportionally more time for pipetting and plate sealing, generally not exceeding 30 minutes.
Thermal cycling dominates the instrument run time. Conventional end‑point PCR programs run 30‑35 cycles with denaturation, annealing, and extension steps, resulting in 1.5 – 2 hours of heating and cooling. Real‑time quantitative PCR (qPCR) protocols are optimized for speed; many assays complete in 45 minutes to 1 hour while providing amplification curves.
Post‑amplification analysis adds another 15 minutes to 1 hour. For gel electrophoresis, staining and imaging require roughly 30 minutes. qPCR data are processed automatically, with result interpretation typically completed within 10 minutes.
Typical turnaround times, assuming a single‑sample workflow and no delays, are:
- Sample receipt to DNA extraction: ≈ 1 hour
- Extraction to PCR setup: ≈ 15 minutes
- Amplification (qPCR): ≈ 1 hour
- Data analysis: ≈ 10 minutes
Total: ≈ 2 hours + logistical time.
Factors that can extend the schedule include:
- Batch processing of multiple ticks
- Use of manual extraction methods
- Instrument queueing in high‑throughput labs
- Requirement for confirmatory sequencing or additional controls
Under optimal conditions, a tick PCR assay can be completed within a single workday; in high‑volume or resource‑limited settings, the process may stretch to 24 hours.