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Testing people who may be infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is an essential tool to contain the spread of the epidemic. The tests used to detect the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus are primarily, in accordance with WHO recommendations, genetic tests by RT-PCR, and, as an alternative, also immunological tests. What are both tools and how do they differ?
Due to the continuous spread of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection, the need to monitor the epidemiological situation in endangered areas continues. In its recommendations, WHO recommends testing based on clinical and epidemiological premises, taking into account the probability of this infection.
For the detection of the coronavirus causing COVID-19 disease genetic and immunological (serological) tests are used. Conducting the tests requires specialized equipment that can be operated by properly trained personnel, as well as adherence to specific safety measures. This means that sample analysis is limited to specific laboratories. In Poland, tests are performed mainly in situations when there are relevant premises.
In people with Coronavirus infection is suspectedcoexisting infections may also occur. This means that it is sometimes necessary to carry out tests for the coronavirus and for other pathogens causing respiratory diseases in parallel.
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Check it out: Never before have so many tests for coronavirus been done in Poland
Primary the test recommended by the WHO to detect coronavirus infection is a laboratory test with the NAAT technique (Nucleic Acid Amplification Technique). An example of such a test is the performed procedure by RT-PCR. Without going into detail, it is a genetic test that can detect viral RNA in a sample taken from a patient. The whole procedure is quite complicated and takes time.
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A sample of sputum or nasopharyngeal swab is taken from the patient for examination, but blood, stool, or urine tests may also sometimes be indicated. The test is NAAT or coronavirus they are highly effective, but sometimes it is necessary to re-test to confirm the result.
As an aid in the process of monitoring the coronavirus epidemic, immunological tests are also used. Serological tests that detect antibodies to fight coronaviruses have proven useful. They are performed by analyzing the serum of the patient’s blood.
Serological testing is used as an adjunct to monitor the epidemiological situation, but can be done more quickly and with less resources than genetic testing. This diagnostic method has limited sensitivity but is still being improved as it is useful for monitoring the infection.
About the use of serological tests in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus Katarzyna Dzierżanowska-Fangrat, national consultant in the field of medical microbiology, said:
Due to the insufficient amount of data concerning, inter alia, dynamics of the immune response to infection and the diagnostic value of the available tests for the detection of IgM / IgG antibodies (including: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value), it is currently not recommended to use serological tests for diagnostic purposes.
In a letter sent on May 18 to the National Council of Laboratory Diagnosticians, she also emphasized that work is underway on a serological test that will detect IgM / IgG antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The study is intended as a case-control function and is developed by the CDC. It is also important that serological diagnostics is associated with the risk of cross-reactions with other human beta-coronaviruses. Down confirmation of cases of COVID-19 infections therefore molecular assays (NAAT) should be used. So far, the state of knowledge and recommendations on the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 have not changed.
The editorial board recommends:
- Bill Gates on coronavirus testing in the US: “total waste”
- Germany: compulsory tests for everyone returning from vacation
- They will test all the inhabitants of a Chinese city. Six million people
Have a question about the coronavirus? Send them to the following address: [email protected]. You will find a daily updated list of answers HERE: Coronavirus – frequently asked questions and answers.