Why didn’t Theranos work? (and could it have ever worked?)

Question

I’ve heard of PCR before (polymerase chain reaction) where more copies of a DNA sample can be rapidly made. If the problem was that the quantity of blood that Theranos uses is too small, why wasn’t PCR used/ (if it was) why didn’t it work?

Also if I’m completely misunderstanding PCR, if someone could for that too, I’d appreciate it, thank you!

In: 148

Answer 1

So the reason why they take so many blood is because each tests take a little amount and they add ups. PCR only copy nucleotide, and right now it is impossible to copy everything in the blood matrix.

Answer 2

So the reason why they take so many blood is because each tests take a little amount and they add ups. PCR only copy nucleotide, and right now it is impossible to copy everything in the blood matrix.