| Summary: | Introduction: the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction is a highly precise technique in the detection and amplification of genetic material, and therefore in the detection of viruses.
Objective: to describe the bases of the use of the polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcriptase as a diagnostic test in the detection of SARS-CoV-2.
Method: a literature review was carried out on articles published up to May 2020. The following databases were consulted: Scopus, Wiley Online Library, SciELO, DIALNET, EBSCO, MEDLINE and PubMed. Articles in Spanish and English were retrieved, selecting 43 references.
Development: The reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to detect SARS-CoV-2 consists of reading RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, ORF1ab fragments, the E gene, the N gene, and the S gene. The nasopharyngeal exudate offers better results than oropharyngeal and saliva as sample. The inclusion of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction tests using rectal swab specimens is necessary in suspected false negative cases. New studies and techniques are developed with the aim of optimizing the detection process.
Conclusions: the availability of diagnostic tests is crucial for the isolation of positive cases and the monitoring of the epidemiological chain of transmission. RT-PCR turned out to be the test of choice during the viral replication period. The RT-LAMP assay is a rapid diagnostic alternative with similar principles to RT-PCR.
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