How Corona Virus Testing Works | The Writters
How Corona Virus Testing Works

SARS-CoV-2 is the abbreviated form of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 which leads to the emergence of COVID-19 disease. To resist its transmission rate it is important to develop some effective and reliable testing procedures with high accuracy as well.

But at present, only healthcare professionals and aged people are given the priority to undergo the test as they are highly susceptible to this tedious infection. Here in this article, you can come to know about the ways in which different tests of COVID-19 perform and their recipients. So, let’s start reading.

How this test works?

Although numerous methods are there to find the evidence of Corona virus strains in the body. But mostly serological and molecular tests are used.

Molecular test

Molecular test detects the active infection only. It is done so by collecting swam sample from throat or nose with the help of the cotton swab. Then it is sent to the laboratory for analysis. Analysis is performed by practising PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test. This acts to hunt for the trace of genetic material of the virus.

You can undergo PCR coronavirus test in London for diagnosis as it has the ability to identify 2 special genes of SARS-CoV-2. Detection of any 1 gene will give inconclusive report. Recent cases are only diagnosed by molecular tests. However, it can’t state whether anyone had the infection in past and gets recovered completely.

Serological test

It acts by detecting antibodies that gets generated in the body for fighting against the virus. It is only present in the body of those people who get completely recovered from Corona virus.

Existence of antibodies can be found in tissues and blood all over the day and only blood sample is needed to perform serological tests. It perfectly detects the positive cases with no to mild symptoms. But blood sample must be drawn after 21 days of experiencing the very first COVID-19 symptom.

Where testing can be done?

Varied options of testing are discussed in the following:

Public test

Public health laboratories are also assisting in completion of test for Corona virus. It is recommended to contact the department of state health to undergo the test. Price of the test also varies from one state to another. The test is only available to the people who are at risk of getting severe illnesses such as;

  • Older adults
  • Pregnant women
  • People having underlying medical complexities
  • People experiencing severe symptoms

Home test

FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved the usage of COVID-19 home testing kit on 21st April. Nasal sample has to be collected by using the provided cotton swab and then send it to the designated laboratory for analysis. Recently, emergency use authorisation states this testing kit should be only used by healthcare professionals who are suspected as COVID-19 infectious.

What’s about the accuracy of the test?

As the test of COVID-19 is quite new its accuracy is quite challenging as well. PCR test has the ability to generate false negatives as it fails to detect the trace of SARS-CoV-2.

Technical error and human error are also other culprits to give false negative outcomes. Even performing the test in its initial or late stage can offer false negative as well.  Hence the accuracy can’t be concluded at present.

When testing should be done?

If anyone experiences the following symptoms then it becomes necessary to consult with the healthcare provider:

  • Fever
  • Breathing shortness
  • Cough

Now there is only short availability of tests and it is only offered to the people at high risk. On the basis of the symptoms of the person the doctor will determine whether a test is essential for diagnose the infection or not! However, the people of about 60 and chronic health problem should undergo COVID-19 PCR Swab test in London to check the current health status.

Usually COVID-19-infected people develop mild symptoms which eliminate the necessity of visiting the hospital for specialist treatment. It includes breathing shortness, tiredness, sore throat, cough and fever that typically last for about 2 weeks.

Certain infected persons don’t experience any symptoms at all and there are many who severely affected from this gnarly disease. The people especially who are aged and have chronic medical complexity like diabetes are highly prone to this tedious disease.

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