Know How Does The Corona Virus Testing Work
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 does this test work?
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
A molecular test detects the active infection only. It is done so by collecting swam samples from the throat or nose with the help of the cotton swab. The analysis is performed by practicing the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test. This acts to hunt for the trace of the 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 get generated in the body for fighting against the virus. It is only present in the body of those people who get completely recovered from Coronavirus.
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 the COVID-19 home testing kit on 21st April. The nasal sample has to be collected by using the provided cotton swab and then send to the designated laboratory for analysis. Recently, emergency use authorization 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 people at high risk. On the basis of the symptoms of the person, the doctor will determine whether a test is essential for diagnosing the infection or not! However, the people of about 60 and chronic health problems should undergo COVID-19 PCR swab test to check the current health status.
Usually, COVID-19-infected people develop mild symptoms which eliminates 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.
