Back in February 2019, no one knew what was covid. It was an unnamed and undiscovered virus taking lives of everyone out of nowhere. After a few months, in the same year in December, the first sample was collected in Wuhan, the city in China, and it was described as Sars Cov-2 – what we today know as Covid-19.
Since then, the researchers and scientists around the world are developing tests specific to the virus. The very first testing method become popular in America at the end of January 2020, and the Covid-19 testing has undergone many changes since then.
Our RT-PCR reference laboratory has also adapted with these changes and it can offer a better diagnosis today.
The type of tests
Some coronavirus testing methods have been utilized in the past but since the advent of this disease, everyone has thoroughly adapted the new form of testing at a remarkable and life-saving rate to assess this new virus. Here are the common tests conducted to diagnose Covid-19.
Serological Tests
Used previously by epidemiologists to determine the prevalence of disease, serological testing measures help to check the level of blood antibodies present as the body combats specific infections. In this test, a blood sample is collected from the patient and it identifies those who have been previously infected, are actively fighting with the virus, or who are immune to catching the virus.
Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATS)
It is simple, rapid, and affordable. NAATs can easily detect the presence of nucleic acids in viral RNA. When those nucleic acids are amplified, the NAATs can even detect the small amount of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a specimen.
These tests are highly sensitive and it is typically performed via nasal or oral swab at a laboratory by trained personnel. The results of the tests will come within 24 hours or less.
Antigen Rapid Tests
Antigen-detection systems have had a rich history. The tests are quite popular at airports because they produce results within a short frame by detecting specific proteins found on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 virus cells. Although these antigen tests are quite specific, they are less sensitive, and thus more reliable than the RT-PCR tests.
Whatever kind of tests you go for and whether these results come early or late, Covid-19 testing has become an indispensable part of our lives. If you are looking for an RT-PCR reference laboratory, come to us.