Coronavirus takes its toll on humanity as it rapidly spreads across countries. Months of fighting with millions of lives lost, and it continues to devastate everyone exposed to the virus. Governments all over the world have done their best to flatten the curve, and while some are victorious, unfortunately, others lost.
But it is not yet the end, the war continues, and many experts in science and medicine started to discover the solution to this epidemic. Pharmaceutical companies are racing to create a cure and a vaccine to this illness, while COVID-19 assay kits are now starting to be available for the public.
One of these COVID-19 assay kits is the Elisa kit, and we are going to take a look at how it works.
How to Use and How it Works
There are many types of test kits now available on the market, each one different from the other. The Elisa Kit is one of the many coronavirus testing kits produced to help diagnose suspected COVID-19 carriers. If a pneumonia patient is a suspected COVID-19 carrier, this kit can be used to test the patient for early detection of the virus in their system.
It is also used for the diagnosis of other new coronaviruses in serum or plasma samples via the measurement of the COVID-19 antibodies. The Elisa Kit and other COVID-19 testing kits use the RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) in a real-time manner.
Specimens obtained through a nasopharyngeal swab or from sputum samples are necessary to perform these tests. It reacts to the antibodies produced by the human body as a response to the virus. Antibody testing kits are not only used for diagnosis but also to monitor the spread of the infection.
Some patients who tested positive are asymptomatic, and the presence of the virus in their system can only be diagnosed through these testing kits. Some countries are using these kits to make an extensive survey of their population, revealing that cases are 50 to 85 percent higher than the number of confirmed patients.
Assay kits can be performed on laboratories or at the point-of-care, which is either a place where the patient is admitted or where they're quarantined. A blood sample is needed for laboratories to perform the test, but serial specimens can also be used to follow the immune response. These tests are also vital to help health care professionals determine if a patient has COVID-19 and give the patient the proper care and medications they need.
Each kind of test kit has its specifications. Different testing kits from different companies have unique settings depending on the need of the country where it was made. Even though it is easy to use, a healthcare professional should be the one who will administer the testing since a licensed physician should interpret the result.
PCR testing is still the best way to perform a test for a COVID-19 patient. FDA also warns the public for unregistered and substandard testing kits that are circulating in the market. If someone wants to undergo testing, it is best to go to a legitimate testing center.
Different Types of COVID testing
As per Dr. Zania Stamataki, a viral Immunologist from the University of Birmingham, There are two types of testing patients for the SARS-COV-2. The first one is performed to determine whether you currently have the virus. The other one is done to confirm if your body has made antibodies against the virus.
Both of these tests help decide what precautionary measures are needed to contain the further spreading of the virus. Information gathered from performing this test will help us go back to our normal lives.
Dr. Stamataki also said that the perfect specimens are those gathered from the nose and throat, though it won't pick up all infections. She also mentioned that it would be great if mass testings are available in all countries. Unfortunately, logistics issues made it very difficult to execute mass testing.
She also stressed out that it's vital that the test will be done during the early stage of the infection to help determine which patient to isolate and who needed proper care.
Who is the Priority for These Test Kits?
The implementation of priorities for these testing kits is due to the limited supply available. However, the question remains to many: who qualifies for these tests? Does everyone who has a fever, suffer from pneumonia or flu qualify for testing?
Many people are asking these questions, but here's the thing: an appointment with a physician is necessary before you can qualify for these tests. The doctor would first need to order for a COVID-19 test, but only those that are sick with COVID-19 symptoms undergo testing. A mild fever or a dry cough won't make you eligible for a test. A travel history or exposure to someone positive for COVID-19 is also necessary before testing an individual.
These people are the priorities for these tests. They are the ones who are most likely to acquire the virus rather than those who are not exposed. But always remember, if you feel ill, it is still best to go to your doctor and listen to their advice.
Takeaway
Everyone is very cautious nowadays, especially with the fast spread of the virus. Government officials base their plan of action on these kits when it comes to preventing the spread of the virus. Test kits are beneficial in identifying who carries the virus and prevent the infection from spreading.
