RT-PCR (real-time, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) is a basic laboratory tool with a wide range of applications. Scientists use RT-PCR to quantify changes in gene expression, validate results from array analysis and for drug discovery. More recently, RT-PCR became the most accurate way to test samples for the SARS-CoV-2 virus that is behind COVID-19. Tommy Bui at Thermo Fisher Scientific explains how to accelerate sample preparation for RT-PCR applications by using electronic pipetting and automated dispensing technologies.