A Test for the CCR5 Δ32 Allele
A genetic test for the CCR5Δ32 allele uses PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to amplify the gene from small amounts of cells. This generates enough DNA to detect after electrophoresis, which determines the size of the amplified DNA. Since the Δ32 allele has a deletion, it is shorter than the normal allele.

For a PCR test, a DNA sample can be taken from any cell, since a person's DNA is the same in every cell. Since PCR amplifies a region of DNA, a small sample is adequate.
View the animation to see PCR and electrophoresis, and how they are used in a genetic test.

INSTRUCTIONS:
Watch the animation, then click NEXT to see results from a PCR test for the CCR5 wildtype and Δ32 alleles.