[thelegges]

It took 3 weeks for genealogy saliva test, due to it was a prime day event. Three weeks later, saliva insufficient, had to do it agin. I think they lost it

[kathyspear]

Originally Posted by bumpygreens

The OP posts about a saliva test, and right away people are concerned about how far they will have to shove a swab up their nose. I think I know why self testing won't work.

Since I am the IDIOT who talked about "swab(s) up their nose":

(1) I was commenting on post #3 which talked about nose swabs. Sorry I didn't make that clear.

(2) The first saliva test was approved by the FDA two weeks ago but is NOT approved for home use. Right now, testing involves the swab procedure I described.

k.

[chet2020]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

It's a faulty plan.

One test goes out to everyone. Everyone tests on the same day. Except those people who don't need to take no stankin test. And those people who forgot. And those people who didn't get the fedex yet. And those people who weren't home that week.

But everyone ELSE takes it - and sends it back. The very next day, before the tests are even out of the Fedex envelope at the lab, 50 people who were negative the day before, now test positive.

The test comes back negative. So they don't self-isolate, and then pass it to another 100 people.

And the beat goes on.

It was a "food for thought" comment, you are correct, of course such a plan would not work.

[Donb0975]

If you test negative today doesn’t mean you test negative tomorrow.

[thelegges]

Originally Posted by Donb0975

If you test negative today doesn’t mean you test negative tomorrow.

That could be said a year from now

[NFRicaS]

Originally Posted by bumpygreens

The OP posts about a saliva test, and right away people are concerned about how far they will have to shove a swab up their nose. I think I know why self testing won't work.

Boy, are you on point...people are stupid (lots of them..) they will not read instructions, will skew the results, fake the tests, etc...
Too bad it wouldn’t work, it’s a good idea!!

[Troopie]

The answer is $$$$$$$$

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by jebartle

If this test is a good test, why is this not MAILED to Americans, problem solved, healthcare workers removed from danger, tests done quickly, easy test to complete. There has to be a reason it's not happening.

Testing would have to be done on a regular basis. Look at one of President Trump's staff members......she tested negative every day than one day she tested positive.

Honestly, it is impossible to test every person every day. Should we test every person every day until they have a positive test? This all seems very daunting.

[Number 10 GI]

The only thing testing will do is provide an infection rate for statistical analysis. It will do nothing to reduce the number of infections.

[Altavia]

A nice synopsis on the different test methods.


Testing and Diagnosis

You have heard a lot about testing and its probably getting a little confusing, Especially with the new tests coming online. So let me break them down for you.

RT-rPCR: this was the molecular test designed by the German Scientist in January. Basically, you collect a sample, using a swab, from the very very back of your nose (nasopharangeal). In that sample, you have your own cells, and if you are infected, the virus as well. The virus is then extracted from the sample (Bust cells, wash away crud, capture nucleic acids, and then collect pure nucleic acids fro analysis. We then have to convert the viral RNA to DNA. Following this step a pair of primers and a probe are used to amplify any detect any viral genetic material. These primers/probe are VERY specific and will only amplify a specific part of the genome of this virus. For a more detailed description see here Kits, reagents and viruses - Virology Down Under

Basically, if this test comes back positive, it means you are currently infected with SARS-CoV2. It does not mean you have COVID-19, which is the disease the virus CAN cause.

We have currently done about 3 million of these tests in the USA. The test can be done in 15 minutes (Roche POC test), but typically takes 24-48 hours when you are having to process 100-1000's of samples at a time.

Antigen Test: This is the new test coming to market soon. It basically uses antibodies, which have been made in the lab, to detect viral proteins in your mucus and spit. It works just like a pregnancy test, but with spit rather than pee. There is the potential that millions of these tests can be made available per week. They can be done at home, or if done in a hospital or doctors surgery, they are much safer for the staff.

If this test comes back positive, it means you are currently infected with SARS-CoV2. It does not mean you have COVID-19, which is the disease the virus CAN cause

Serological test (Antibody test): These tests are available now. Serological tests determine if you have been PREVIOUSLY infected. They test your blood to see if you have antibodies that recognize proteins found on the surface of the virus. At the moment, these tests are highly problematic. Too many unverified tests coming in from overseas. If the manufacturer has designed it wrong, it will give you a false positive reading. It will signal that you were infected, but in reality you are still susceptible.

If this test comes back positive, and it works properly, it means you were previously infected SARS-CoV2. PLEASE NOTE: That more than 50% of all diagnosis coming from these serological test, even the best designed ones, will give you a false positive reading. Tread very carefully with making life decisions based on outcomes of this test (For now).

Where we are now?

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by Number 10 GI

The only thing testing will do is provide an infection rate for statistical analysis. It will do nothing to reduce the number of infections.

Antibody testing will be a better indication of mortality rate.

[Swoop]

Originally Posted by coffeebean

Antibody testing will be a better indication of mortality rate.

Absolutely correct!