Testing takes time, especially for coronavirus testing.

I had a coronavirus test last week. It took about two days to get the results. I was negative. Other people I know are waiting for up to four days to get results. If they are positive and two weeks have elapsed, they get another test so they can return to work with a negative test. However, the virus is not always over in twelve to fourteen days. The waiting game can be very frustrating.

New Test

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210105/A-paper-based-sensor-for-detecting-COVID-19-quickly.aspx A molecular test was developed that gives results in about fifteen minutes without a lot of expensive equipment. The faster the SARS-CoV-2 virus can be detected, the quicker we can begin the process of overcoming this pandemic.

Molecules can be attracted to different things depending on electrical and magnetic fields. It turns out that the COVID-19 virus is attracted to gold and graphene under certain circumstances. A substrate made from paper with nanoparticles of gold and graphene reacts quickly to the coronavirus. A simple nose or mouth swab provides enough viral material to detect the virus.

How will this compete against the existing tests? I imagine that fully commercialized it would replace nearly all the existing tests for COVID-19. What are the current tests for coronavirus?

RT-PCR Test Method

https://www.idsociety.org/covid-19-real-time-learning-network/diagnostics/RT-pcr-testing/ The (RT-PCR) reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and gene sequencing is the primary method used today. A sample is collected, sent to a laboratory, and analyzed. Your RNA from the sample is combined using a reverse transcription process to convert it into DNA. It is then amplified using the polymerase chain reaction to determine if the virus is present.

The test is done usually in 24 hours however the results may not get to the individual for several days. The accuracy of the test depends on many factors such as the test collection, storage, shipping, timing of your exposure to the virus, and more. If you were tested before you had symptoms, a negative result is most likely the case. Retesting after symptoms is recommended.

COVID-19 Serology Test Method

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices/eua-authorized-serology-test-performance#:~:text=Serology%20tests%20detect%20the%20presence,from%20COVID%2D19. A COVID-19 serology test also called an antibody-based serological/immunological assay is another kind of test for SARS-CoV-2. This test evaluates the body’s immune response to the virus. An immune response might also be to a non-coronavirus or other pathogen.

Additionally, it is time-sensitive. An early test might not yield accurate results because the body’s immune response has not activated enough to show the presence of viral response. Once an individual has recovered from COVID-19, this test is valuable. Several places are looking for convalescent plasma to be used in the treatment of coronavirus.

Chest Computed Tomography Test Method

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7549426/ Chest computed tomography (CT) is a test that appears to be as accurate and reliable as the RT-PCR test to detect COVID-19. Both seasonal influenza and COVID-19 can be detected using a CT scan. COVID-19 is different from the flu virus in that it appears as ground-glass opacities around the periphery of the lower lobes of the lung. Influenza viruses typically are not located in the lower lobes.

The upper respiratory distress requiring x-ray or CT scans are usually after the person has exhibited mild to severe symptoms. This test would probably not be used for a person with minor symptoms.

Antigen-Based Test Method

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/resources/antigen-tests-guidelines.html Antigen-based tests diagnose respiratory pathogens. The FDA granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for this type of testing to be done to detect COVID-19. Nasal swabs are used and can be done in many locations. Most results are available in 15 minutes. They are inexpensive.

The sensitivity of the test is not as good as the RT-PCR test. There are situations where the antigen test can detect the virus under certain circumstances that the RT-PCR cannot. Both tests used together offer higher accuracy.

Conclusion

This process using a paper-substrate is being called a plasmonic platform. Testing for commercialization is ongoing. Emergency use authorization from the FDA is also being sought. No timing was given for introduction to the public. I like this approach because other diseases besides COVID-19 can be diagnosed using this process. It opens a new world for a speedy diagnosis and early treatment.

Live Longer & Enjoy Life! – Red O’Laughlin – RedOLaughlin.com

 

 

6 Responses

    1. Thanks, Marian. Appreciate your kind words. I had plans to attend and something came up a half-hour before our meeting and I was unable to communicate to you that I would not attend. I apologize for not keeping you informed. I hate to miss our Tuesday evening meetings. I learn so much! RED

  1. Thank you, Red for this information. I had my COVID19 results within 30 minutes or less. How come? It was on the day of my surgery, only about a few hours before, so I avoided the wait you described.

    1. Likewise, Jody, I also had it done the day before my outpatient procedure in December. However, the hospital lost the results of that test. I had another and it took less than 30 minutes. Being a patient in line for something is a bit different. RED

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *