What is a coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a known species of a large family of viruses that cause infection in the nose & upper Throat. Earlier it was identified as SARS( Severe Acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS ( Middle East respiratory syndrome).
What is distinct about coronavirus(COVID-19)?
Coronavirus(COVID-19) is a new bruise of coronavirus that had previously not identified in humans. COVID-19 is a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that can stimulate respiratory tract infection.
It can affect the upper respiratory tract (nose or Throat) or lower respiratory tract ( windpipe or lungs).
How can it be spread?
COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets can be circulating in the air or fall on floors or surfaces.
A person within proximity of someone who has COVID-19 virus can get infected by touching the contaminated surface of the eyes, nose, or mouth.
What are the Symptoms of COVID-19?
The primary symptoms of COVID-19 :
- Fever
- Runny Nose
- Dry Cough
- Sore Throat
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Body aches
- Tiredness
- A rash on the skin
Prevention of COVID-19:-
- Wash your hands regularly with soap.
- Always use alcohol-based sanitizers when you are outdoors.
- Maintain social distancing at least for 1 meter.
- Avoid touching your nose, eyes, or mouth after touching anything outdoors.
- Always prefer to cover your face using a mask or cloth.
- Try to stay home if you are not well.
- Stop smoking as it weakens the lungs.
Lists of Test for COVID-19
The leading tests available for COVID-19 :
- Covid-19 RT PCR SWAB Test
- SARS CoV 2-Antigen Testing
- Rapid Blood Antibody Test
What is the SWAB RT PCR test?
RT PCR test uses to detect coronavirus from the nasopharyngeal sample, also known as a nasal swab. It is performed with the help of a viral transport testing kit (VTM kit).
How does it work?
A swab sample was collected from the nose and Throat of a person, which was transported to a microbiology lab in VTM kits which is a liquid-filled tubes for analysis.
Later a bio technician uses a technique known as reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR, to determine whether a nasopharyngeal sample is positive or negative.
RT-PCR test will take a few hours or a few days to show the results as it involves lots of hand-on work over-collected swab samples. First, a technician extracts viral genetic materials called RNA from the selection and uses it to produce a complimentary filament of DNA to get accurate results. RT-PCR technique is highly delicate and distinct and can deliver reliable results.
What is SARS CoV 2 Antigen Testing?
The antigen test is another possible diagnostic procedure that depends on the immunodetection of viral antigens. The tested individuals will identify whether they carry the virus or not by the presence of antigen.
How does the antigen test for COVID-19 work?
There are mainly two antigens for coronavirus S (Spike) protein and N (nucleocapsid) protein. The nucleocapsid protein comes out as a recommended target to diagnose antigen tests as it’s more preserved & abundant. The detection of antigens can perform in many ways, but We require a pair of antibodies that readily concede a target that is highly sensitive and specific.
What is a rapid antibody blood test?
A rapid antibody test is also known as a serological test. The Rapid antibody test is used to detect whether a person has recovered from coronavirus or not. The test can use to see the evidence of the presence or past exposure to coronavirus in a short time. It is the most effective tool to combat the outbreak.
How does the antibody test for COVID-19 work?
The presence of the virus through blood tests can deliver in 10-15min. It is used to test both IgM and IgG antibodies. However, it is not a validator test for coronavirus.
Steps:-
- Collect blood/plasma/serum samples.
- Add the blood sample to the sample well.
- Place 2-3 drops of buffer in the sample well.
- Read results after 10-15min