Apr 02 2020 11 mins 14
Are you afraid of tests?
In this first episode on a testy theme, I demystify the coronavirus diagnostic process in a way that may make your head spin.
Discussed are the two main testing methods currently available-- serological and molecular rRT-PCR assays-- what they involved, along with the science behind them.
There won't be a quiz afterwards, I promise!
Music
"Compassion" by Stefan Kartenberg; Featuring Kara Square 2020; Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)
Sources
* "Detection of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) by real-time RT-PCR" (Eurosurvelliance, 23 Jan 2020; 25(3))
* "Scientists Can Make Copies of a Gene through PCR" (Nature.com)
* "How Coronavirus Tests Actually Work" (FiveThirtyEight.com, 24 March 2020)
