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This is a PCR test, not an antibody test. That means it detects the viral RNA even before the body has mounted an immune response.
by jessriedel 7y ago
This is a PCR test, not an antibody test. That means it detects the viral RNA even before the body has mounted an immune response.
- tyingq 7y agoDoes it detect past infection?
- Symmetry 7y agoGenerally it's antibody tests that detect past infection rather than PCR tests. Technically you can find bits of viral RNA in the throat after all the live viruses are dead so you have a chance of getting a positive PCR right after a person has recovered but I don't think that's what you mean.
- jessriedel 7y agoBased on my very little knowledge, I don't think so. But I think it's easy to pair it with a conventional serological antibody tests that can detect past infection. I am very far from an expert.
- tyingq 7y agoI ask because I haven't yet heard of an existing antibody test for COVID-19.
- sfifs 7y agohttps://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/02/singapore-claims-first-use-antibody-test-track-coronavirus-infections# https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/02/singapore-claims-fir...
- jessriedel 7y agoI think they are just appearing nowish. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/covid-19-coronavirus-pandemic-how-antibody-blood-tests-work https://www.sciencenews.org/article/covid-19-coronavirus-pan...
- ejstronge 7y agoThere are many, especially in other countries. There are even some that one can purchase in the US, but it's not clear when (or if!) the FDA will approve these. See their Emergency Use Authorization FAQ page [1], where they list dozens of tests that are presumed to be available in the US. There's some discussion in NY State about NYC hospitals having developed a test that's currently in use. 1. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/emergency-situations-medical-devices/faqs-diagnostic-testing-sars-cov-2 https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/emergency-situations-med... ; look for "What serology tests are being offered under the policy outlined in Section IV.D of the Policy for Diagnostic Tests for Coronavirus Disease-2019?"