Diagnostic testing for detection of COVID-19 virus RNA from biological material by polymerase chain reaction method
Coronaviruses are a whole family of viruses that infect animals and humans. Nevertheless, in this family there is such a dangerous species for humans as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS- CoV2, aka 2019-nCoV).
What is the reason for the name "coronavirus"? The fact is that coronaviruses belong to RNA viruses, their nucleocapsid contains glycoproteins that are shaped like spikes, so that the virus visually resembles a crown. The Wuhan SARS-CoV2 coronavirus has a structure similar to bat coronaviruses, and it is quite possible that they have become the main source of the new strain of the virus.
Most respiratory diseases have the same symptoms: feeling tired, high temperature, fever, difficulty breathing, cough and/or sore throat, shortness of breath. But if this clinical picture develops in a person who 2 weeks ago had contact with a person with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection, then there is cause for concern. The period from the moment of infection to the development of symptoms is called incubation. It is 4-14 days for COVID-19.
The airborne droplet is the main way of transmission of all respiratory diseases, and COVID-19 is no exception. But the danger lies in wait not only when communicating with an infected person – the virus can be transmitted by airborne dust and contact: with dirty hands, a person can bring the virus into the body through the mucous membranes.
PCR test is intended for detecting the RNA of the SARS-CoV2 coronavirus in scrapings taken from the oropharynx or nasal pharynx.