china-yongkang

 
The pros and cons of rapid testing for COVID-19
Many have been complaining that the standard PCR test to detect the new coronavirus is too slow when it comes to results. In a lot of critical cases, the results come too late, meaning the patient had already died of COVID-19 complications.
 
There is a quicker alternative to the standard PCR test: it’s called “rapid antibody testing” and a lot of people, including government agencies are using them to help spot more potential cases. However, we must take note that these rapid test kits do not actually detect if a person has the COVID-19 virus or not. only the PCR test can detect the virus.
 
The rapid antibody test requires a blood sample. Instead of detecting the presence of the actual virus, the rapid test can only detect the presence of antibodies specific to the virus.
 
What does the presence of these antibodies mean? It’s a sign that the person a) is currently infected; or b) th... [Details]