Part 4/8:
Carrie Mullis, who won the Nobel Prize for his invention of the PCR technique, emphasized that PCR tests should not be used as a definitive diagnostic tool for infectious diseases. According to Mullis, the process merely amplifies genetic material and does not determine if a virus is live or infectious. It simply creates more copies of a molecule, making it easier to measure.
Mullis articulated his concerns regarding the interpretation of PCR results, stating that it could distort understanding around when and how individuals are sick. He criticized the use of PCR in the context of diagnosing diseases and its implications on patient care, emphasizing that the test does not inherently signify a threat or illness.