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The main tool that allows you to effectively minimize the number of infections and, at the same time, isolate patients with COVID-19 is testing, but not every person with symptoms is tested. Why is this happening? Our question was answered by dr hab. n. med. Tomasz Dzieciatkowski, a virologist from the Medical University of Warsaw.
The coronavirus test is a way to verify that a person is actually a carrier of COVID-19 or has another condition with symptoms similar to those indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as symptoms of the coronavirus. Extensive testing is recommended by the WHO as it isolates healthy people from infected patients. Thus, the fight against the coronavirus can go faster.
- Learn more: Where to get a coronavirus test?
There are two types of coronavirus tests available in laboratories. The first is a genetic (molecular) test. It consists in taking a swab from the patient’s throat and nose. In the case of this test, the waiting time for the result does not exceed a maximum of several hours. The coronavirus genetic test has been officially recommended by the WHO.
- Also check: What is the difference between coronavirus tests?
The second way to confirm the presence of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the body is to run a serological (cassette) test to detect antibodies to fight the coronavirus. This form is also very fast, the results can be obtained after a few to several minutes.
Despite the presence of two types of coronavirus tests, scientists are still working on faster and generally available methods that would isolate sick people and at the same time implement appropriate treatment faster.
Why isn’t everyone who has symptoms of coronavirus undergoing testing? Dr hab. Tomasz Dzieiątkowski, MD, PhD admits that the problem in this case is the number of tests, laboratories and people performing these tests. It would be best to test everyone, but in a country where about 38 million people live, it is difficult to perform such a procedure.
The editorial board recommends the most important articles about the coronavirus:
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- What is the causative organism of the coronavirus?
Have a question about the coronavirus? Send them to the following address: [email protected] You can find a daily updated list of answers HERE: Coronavirus – frequently asked questions and answers