COVID-19 – Coronavirus disease-19. A respiratory illness caused severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or (SARS-CoV-2), also known as coronavirus. SARS (-1, -2) and MERS are just two of the coronaviruses in the family. There are milder forms that can cause common colds (between 15-20% and 20%).
RT-PCR tests
After a sample is collected, chemicals can be used to remove all proteins, fats, and other molecules. Only RNA remains. This mixture will include both the genetic material of the person and any viral RNA. PCR is a common scientific technique used for genetic information detection. It has been widely used in medicine and research for approximately 20-30 years. RT-PCR, a special version that detects RNA, is now being used to detect SARS CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19. This fit to fly COVID test is a direct test for the presence and severity of COVID-19.
RT-PCR tests can be very sensitive, quick and reliable. They usually produce results within 3-4 hours. However, it is more time-consuming if samples have to first be sent outside laboratories (6-8 hours).
Both advantages and disadvantages
These are the advantages
Scientists and medical personnel accept RT-PCR as a reliable and well documented method.
RT-PCR is a common method of testing for COVID-19.
RT-PCR is able to detect current diseases and allow medical personnel to identify who is infected.
Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP).
The LAMP assays of COVID-19 begin with the collection samples from the nose and throat using a swab. However, it is possible to use other methods such as hard coughing mucus. Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification is a process similar to RTPCR. However, instead of using a series temperature changes to create copies of viral DNA, LAMP uses a constant temperature between 60 and 65degC.
LAMP produces more DNA than RT-PCR. A positive test result can be viewed visually, without the need for a machine.
LAMP tests can’t detect if someone has the virus but then has it gone after the COVID-19 treatment. It cannot detect if a person has the disease as it only detects active virus.
Both advantages and disadvantages
These are the advantages
LAMP is a fast technique that produces results in as little as 2 hours.
You can read the results by looking.
This simple, inexpensive method can be performed in hospital laboratories. It reduces the time it takes to take a sample and get a diagnosis.
LAMP detects current diseases and allows medical personnel to identify who is infected.
Colloidal Gold Immunochromatography / Lateral Flow
The simple lateral flow immunoassays to detect COVID-19 antibodies are simple devices.
A small amount of patient blood is collected from a vein by a physician and then dropped onto the spongey pad. To aid blood flow across the device, a few drops of diluting liquid (or a buffer) are added. In the media, lateral flow assays are often called ‘Antibody tests’. They are used to detect antibodies in blood samples. This technology is being evaluated for antigen usage.
Using the same technology as pregnancy tests, lateral flow assays can be used to detect antibodies from patient blood. The lateral flow test can detect antibodies to virus in patient blood, indicating that the patient is suffering from COVID-19.
These are the advantages
The results of lateral flow assays can be done in a matter of minutes for each patient.
A single blood sample can be taken from a patient to test for antibodies.
These tests don’t require any training and can be performed without the need for specialist labs or scientists.
