What’s Good and What’s Not for Testing COVID-19
Not all tests are equal.
I know many have been asking what goes on when #CV19 is tested.
What isn’t the Government using this or that company, because we need to test test test?
Some explanations here.
esquiremag.ph/life/health-an…
Not all tests are equal.
I know many have been asking what goes on when #CV19 is tested.
What isn’t the Government using this or that company, because we need to test test test?
Some explanations here.
esquiremag.ph/life/health-an…
The author, an infectious disease physician (the one begging Trump to stop telling people that they can use hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) plus Azithromycin to “cure COVID” because it can cause a ayrrhtymias and sudden death explains there are two main test types.
Don’t use one
Don’t use one
RT-PCR ✅
IgM/IgG ❌
Because CV19 uses RNA as its genetic material it must be reverse transcribed (RT) into DNA before it is processed
This is difficult to do, requires VERY expensive & a PCR machine costs mega £
It’s easy to mess up & is dangerous if staff not well equipped
IgM/IgG ❌
Because CV19 uses RNA as its genetic material it must be reverse transcribed (RT) into DNA before it is processed
This is difficult to do, requires VERY expensive & a PCR machine costs mega £
It’s easy to mess up & is dangerous if staff not well equipped
It is so sensitive that IF DONE PROPERLY it can detect a single cell in a sample. It is very SENSITIVE.
But as we already know mistakes have occurred when an ingredient is faulty or a tester makes mistakes in the procedure. Hence the need for quality assurance
People are human
But as we already know mistakes have occurred when an ingredient is faulty or a tester makes mistakes in the procedure. Hence the need for quality assurance
People are human
The running time is 3-6 hours for every single test.
The most dangerous tests are those that give false positives or false negatives.
The former might give a fright but, lull someone into a false sense of security once recovered that they are likely immune.
The most dangerous tests are those that give false positives or false negatives.
The former might give a fright but, lull someone into a false sense of security once recovered that they are likely immune.
Also the person might have a different infection that needs different treatment.
The latter, false negatives, can lull people into thinking they haven’t got CV19.
“Hey, Mum! Friends! I’m safe. Gimme a hug”.
The latter, false negatives, can lull people into thinking they haven’t got CV19.
“Hey, Mum! Friends! I’m safe. Gimme a hug”.
So RT-PCR needs nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum (sometimes faeces)
Now the ❌ IgM/IgG test (the blood test pin prick)
Why NOT to use one or promote the use.
False negatives and false positive risks.
Now the ❌ IgM/IgG test (the blood test pin prick)
Why NOT to use one or promote the use.
False negatives and false positive risks.
What is IN a kit. A bit like a cake mix, some come with most or all ingredients (like the ones the WHO were sending out) OR you can buy in bulk each ingredient and make your own.
Fine but your have to use the right amount and the right process.
Needs validation
ALL tests
Fine but your have to use the right amount and the right process.
Needs validation
ALL tests
Yes. Test! Test! Test!
But no one (including S Korea that has tested about 0.6% of its population) can test everyone
It takes LOTS of labs with the right mega bucks equipment and LOTS of skilled people and it costs quite a lot.
The more accredited labs the more tests
But no one (including S Korea that has tested about 0.6% of its population) can test everyone
It takes LOTS of labs with the right mega bucks equipment and LOTS of skilled people and it costs quite a lot.
The more accredited labs the more tests
But the safest thing to do is engage in rigorous personal hygiene and keep you distance.
So Stay safe. Stay home.
Scientists are working around the clock to make testing as efficient as possible but we want accurate tests.
So Stay safe. Stay home.
Scientists are working around the clock to make testing as efficient as possible but we want accurate tests.
Even when the BEST testing methods used false -ves can result. The bigger the viral load and the better the test process the more secure the result.
A little more here from Hong Kong on viral load and types of swabs (HT @match_joe )
scmp.com/news/hong-kong…
A little more here from Hong Kong on viral load and types of swabs (HT @match_joe )
scmp.com/news/hong-kong…
