
How to Do Coronavirus Tests
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by admin
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Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illness in people. These viruses have caused mild colds and some of the severe illnesses that emerged during the SARS epidemic in China in 2002-2003 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreak in 2012.
They are named for their distinctive spikes, which health experts think may help them spread.
Unlike many other viruses, coronaviruses are spherical in shape and are coated with spikes of protein. These spikes are what make them able to stick to and infect healthy cells.
The spikes also let the immune system “see” the virus, which means that they can produce antibodies against it, which helps the body fight off infection. The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2 and was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019.
There are two types of tests for coronaviruses: laboratory tests and rapid antigen tests. Both of these tests can provide a positive or negative result within 30 minutes.
Laboratory tests use a technique known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which involves collecting saliva or nasal swabs and analyzing them in a lab. These tests are highly accurate and usually recommended for people with COVID-19 symptoms or for people who have been exposed to someone who is ill or has tested positive.
A rapid antigen test is a fast way to find out if you are infected with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. They give results in about 15 minutes and are often convenient for travel or other events where a person might not have the opportunity to get a PCR test done.
The test can be done at home, but it’s important to do it correctly and take care not to contaminate the sample with mucus. The collection tip of the swab should be rubbed against the cells of the nasal walls, not the mucus.
To test for a coronavirus, you’ll need to collect a small amount of mucus from your nose with a cotton swab. It should be wiped dry before the sample is sent to a laboratory.
This can be tricky if you have a cold or nasal congestion, so it’s best to blow your nose before doing the test and get rid of any mucus that might interfere with the process.
After you have swabbed your nose, you’ll have to place it on the test strip and wait for about 10 seconds. This is when the swab will be stained with an antibody-based dye that will turn red if there’s a coronavirus in the sample, according to Dr. Gronvall.
You’ll then place the swab in a glass jar and leave it in a warm place, like a car, for 48 hours. Then, you’ll receive a report on whether you have the coronavirus or not.
Once you’ve got the result, you can take action based on what your healthcare provider recommends. Depending on your situation, you might want to take preventive measures or contact your doctor.
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illness in people. These viruses have caused mild colds and some of the severe illnesses that emerged during the SARS epidemic in China in 2002-2003 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreak in 2012. They are named for their distinctive spikes, which health experts think may…
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illness in people. These viruses have caused mild colds and some of the severe illnesses that emerged during the SARS epidemic in China in 2002-2003 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreak in 2012. They are named for their distinctive spikes, which health experts think may…