Diagnostic Testings for COVID 19

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is an emerging infectious disease that has widely affected the world recently. The pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although the mortality risk of COVID-19 is not very high, its epidemic has led experts to design the specific diagnostic testings. In this article, we will introduce these COVID19 testings:

In addition to artificial intelligence (AI) technology, such as online coronavirus tests, which assesses the individual’s symptoms, there are two more accurate diagnostic testings for COVID-19: PCR and antibody test.

PCR COVID-19 test indicates the presence of a current infection. COVID-19 Antibody test indicates infection in recent weeks.

COVID-19 Antibody Test

The human body begins to produce antibodies about 1 to 3 weeks after infection with pathogens such as viruses. An antibody is a large protein produced by plasma cells in response to pathogens like viruses and bacteria. These antibodies protect the person from re-infection with the pathogen.

Of course, in the case of COVID-19, it is not yet clear how much and how long these antibodies can be protective. However, the presence of antibodies in the blood sample indicates past infection and is not valuable to diagnose the disease’s current status.

PCR-based Diagnostic Test

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an in vitro technique used to detect the virus’s genetic materials in the nasal and throat secretions of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

In this test, respiratory secretions are sampled using a sterile swab. These secretions are examined in a laboratory to determine a person’s current infection.

PCR is currently the most valid test for COVID-19 and is widely performed in various medical centers and clinics. To avoid unnecessary travel, some centers provide these services in-home.

The results of this test can be made available to clients very quickly.