If you have been following the findings and research that has been carried out on the coronavirus and have a bit of the knowledge of all the tests which can help to identify the virus you would see how amazing doctors and scientists all over the world are.
www.bosterbio.com gives you updated information on what you all must know about the Covid-19 and its tests. According to experts, the current diagnostic tests for COVID-19 are highly accurate if administered correctly and more convenient than the antibody tests. Reach out to one of the representatives from Boster Bio for antibody tests and BDNF Elisa kits.
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What are the diagnostic tests for COVID-19?
Diagnostic testing is an effective public health option to fight the spread of the disease as it detects active infections. These tests identify persons who have the virus and should be isolated for treatment. It also helps in tracing the people who have been in contact with anyone who tested positive. Therefore aiding in knowing the extent of the spread of the virus.
There are two highly accurate tests for COVID-19 but only the PCR test is a diagnostic test. These tests include;
The Molecular Real-Time Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test
This is the more widely used test as it is considered the most accurate. RT-PCR test aims at detecting the virus genetic material. While performing this test, the doctor sticks a 6-inch nasopharyngeal swab into your nose and almost down to your throat to collect samples for the test. This test is quite discomforting. Most people are disturbed to undergo it as it is quite painful. According to Volk, if correctly performed the accuracy of this test is close to 100.
The accuracy of this test is greatly increased:-
a). If conducted 8 days after a suspected infection.
b). f the swab is properly inserted to collect the sample. That is, 3 inches to reach the cavity where the pharynx and nasal passages meet.
Although false positives can happen with the PCR test, it is very rare. It is quite impossible to tell if a person has had the infection some days or months back with a PCR test.
The Antibody Test
This test although not diagnostic is more comfortable than the PCR test. They are just as effective but to a certain extent. Antibody tests look for antibodies produced by your immune system to fight coronavirus. The antibody test also known as a serological test can detect persons who have once had coronavirus and have recovered from it. It is useful for finding out cases of coronavirus tests that have mild or no symptoms. For an antibody test, test samples are collected at least 21 days after you have developed symptoms or after a suspected exposure.
Advanced technology has made it possible to utilize the Elisa immunoassay to detect and quantify the antibodies produced to fight coronavirus. Mouse monoclonal antibodies can be made in this case to attack your target sequence and help your immune system to fight better during a coronavirus attack.
Other tests include:
Home tests
On April 21, 2020, COVID-19 home test kits were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These home tests are done by using the cotton swab present in the home testing kit to collect a nasal sample. This sample is mailed to the nearest designated lab for testing. This test kit is mostly recommended to persons who are suspected to have come in contact with a COVID-19 infected person.
How Accurate is the PCR test?
As challenging as it may be assessing the COVID-19 tests available because of how new the virus is, the PCR test has been discovered to be the highest in accuracy for COVID-19 cases. PCR test may give false negatives but most times, this occurs because of human error or improper conduction of the test.
In Conclusion
When in search of the test to go for the PCR test tops the charts. As it can detect an active case once conducted properly. However, it is the most painful of all the tests. Antibody tests can become the best option for you if you are having COVID-19 symptoms that are flu-like and may not mean you have COVID-19. So to rule out coronavirus as the cause of your flu-like symptoms, you can go for the antibody test.