PCR Tests Covid-19
Without PCR, science and the world as we know it — including having a testing method for Covid-19 — wouldn’t exist - Wudan Yan Wudan Yan
image by: Grand Rapids Chamber
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The Plan that Could Give Us Our Lives Back
Today, if you go to the doctor with a dry cough and fever, and get swabbed for COVID-19, you will probably receive a test that was not designed for an out-of-control pandemic. It’s called a “reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction” test, or PCR, test, and it is one of the miracles of medicine. The PCR technique has allowed us to probe the genomes of the Earth: Its invention, in 1983, cleared the way for the Human Genome Project, the early diagnosis of certain cancers, and the study of ancient DNA. It works, in essence, like a zoom-and-enhance feature on a computer: Using a specific mix of chemicals, called “reagents,” and a special machine, called a “thermal cycler,” the PCR process…
Resources
What's the Point of PCR Tests Anymore?
PCR tests are considered the gold standard of COVID-19 detection because they’re highly sensitive, able to detect even small amounts of the virus’ genetic material.
The eccentric scientist behind the ‘gold standard’ COVID-19 test
Bombastic biochemist Kary Mullis invented PCR, a tool that redefined genetic science, while driving in 1983. That was only the beginning.
Coronavirus Mutations Could Muddle COVID-19 PCR Tests
Researchers find that SARS-CoV-2 variants can evade primer-probe sets and recommend that diagnostic assays include multiple targets for reliability.
FDA Approves 1st At-Home Coronavirus Test
Until now, people have had to visit a doctor's office, clinic, hospital or some other site to have a sample taken or they could collect a sample at home for mailing to a lab for analysis.
FDA finds 3 COVID-19 tests that fail to detect the omicron variant
FDA has identified three COVID-19 molecular tests that are not able to detect the omicron variant and warned that the diagnostics from Applied DNA Sciences, Meridian Bioscience and Tide Laboratories will return false negative results.
Your Coronavirus Test Is Positive. Maybe It Shouldn’t Be
The usual diagnostic tests may simply be too sensitive and too slow to contain the spread of the virus.
The Plan that Could Give Us Our Lives Back
The PCR technique has allowed us to probe the genomes of the Earth: Its invention, in 1983, cleared the way for the Human Genome Project, the early diagnosis of certain cancers, and the study of ancient DNA. It works, in essence, like a zoom-and-enhance feature on a computer.
BioFire
BioFire Diagnostics provides molecular diagnostic solutions to help make the world a healthier & safer place.
Cepheid
Cepheid has developed an automated molecular test for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The test leverages the design principles of our current Xpert® Xpress Flu/RSV cartridge technology, in which multiple regions of the viral genome are targeted. The test can provide rapid detection of the current pandemic coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in as soon as 30 minutes for positive results* with less than a minute of hands on time to prepare the sample.
Everlywell
Everlywell makes lab testing easy and convenient with at-home collection and digital results in days.
ID NOW
ID NOW™ is a leading molecular point-of-care platform in the United States, trusted by hospitals, physician offices, and urgent care clinics nationwide.
Lucira
Lucira’s technology has been in development for over 5 years. The moment for accurate at-home PCR quality molecular accuracy is now.
Mesa Biotech
The Accula System has received FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19) in vitro diagnostic testing. It is available now for use in patient care settings. Easy and fast, our qualitative, rapid PCR-based test provides visual results within ~ 30 minutes.
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