1. A laboratory process that selects a
DNA segment from a mixture of
DNA chains and rapidly replicates it; used to create a large, readily analyzed sample of a piece of
DNA. It is used in
DNA fingerprinting and in medical tests to identify diseases from the
infectious agent's
DNA. See also
DNA. 2. As related to HIV: A sensitive laboratory technique that can detect and quantify HIV in a person's blood or
lymph node.