How COVID-19 test works: Know the basics

LAB TEST: A technician prepares COVID-19 coronavirus patient samples for testing. In this article, we will attempt to explain how it works.

VIRUS DETECTION: The reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology has been around for a long time. It is reliable and highly accurate. But it is time-consuming and complicated to perform. It’s also very easy to contaminate samples. The RT-PCR test itself only takes about a day. With thousands of requests for PCR tests and with limited time and staff -- and logistical challenges (i.e. the need to ship samples to labs), it’s taking most patients days, or even weeks, to get their results back.

DETECTING GENETIC MATERIAL: Using real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) the test can be done on respiratory samples obtained by various methods, including nasopharyngeal swab or sputum sample. Results are generally available within a few hours to 2 days.

ADVANCED ANALYTICAL TESTS: Molecular methods leverage polymerase chain reaction (PCR) along with nucleic acid tests, and other advanced analytical techniques, to detect the genetic material of the virus using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for diagnostic purposes.

PRICE OF RT PCR DETECTION KIT: The website biocompare.com lists different manufacturers of RT PCR detection kits. Today, PRC technology has also improved. The most recent advancement is what’s called Real-Time PCR, which offers a number of advantages. For one, it allows scientists have the ability to actually quantify the amount of pathogen (disease-causing bacteria, virus) present.

UAE RAMPS UP TESTS: The UAE has ramped up coronavirus testing following the pandemic's spread. As of Tuesday, March 17, 2020, there were 127,000 individuals who had been tested for coronavirus in the UAE, according to the Ministry of Health and Prevention. These figures, relayed to the Emirates News Agency, indicate the country's concerted efforts to prevent the further spread of the virus. Considering data on COVID-19 testing per capita, the UAE is now leading global efforts to ensure the mitigation of the pandemic.