The diagnostic test for COVID-19 infection is a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
(RT-PCR) however PCR is very time consuming and requires trained laboratory staff to process the samples as well as expensive laboratory equipment and reagents. During pandemic lockdowns, imports and transportation of PCR kits, and sampled material may be restricted, posing a challenge of accessible testing.

Corona virus only contains RNA so, it relies on infiltrating healthy cells to survive. Once it´s inside the cell, it uses the RNA to take control of these cells to replicate the virus which allows it to infect other cells. Now during the detection, the RNA has to be converted into DNA through the Reverse Transcription. An enzyme is used to convert the RNA into a DNA, so it can be detected. At times, the invasive extraction of genetic material, may lack sufficient RNA for testing, causing the results to be indeterminate and requiring for the same case to be tested again, or even it can cause false negative cases. This challenge coupled with the long waiting period for test results, results in the lack of effectiveness of this procedure.

How does real-time RT-PCR work to detect the COVID-19?

• A sample is collected from a patient though an anterior nasal swab.
• The sample is then put through a chemical proces where the fat and proteins present in the sample are eliminated in order for the RNA to be extracted.
• The RNA undergoes reverse transcription using a specific enzyme so it can be converted into a DNA.
• The PCR technique is then applied to the sample. A coronavirus specific primer will be introduced in order for the RNA strands to bind to their matching codes, so they can amplify the DNA.
• The solution is then placed in the PCR machine, which carries temperature specifique cycles for DNA to be amplified.
• The machine measure the level of amplification thanks to a fluorescence signal. When a sample reaches over a certain level of fluorescence, the presence of the virus is confirmed.

Serology Test/ Antibody Test

Antibodies are present in blood samples once that a person has been infected. An antibody test can detect if a person has had coronavirus before, or if the person is currently infected. The test, carried out by a device that pricks your finger for blood, works this out by testing your blood for coronavirus antibodies to see if they have already beaten the virus and gained some immunity to it.