THE LANCET INFOGRAPHIC: COVID-19 diagnostic tests reviewed
The Lancet infographic reviews COVID-19 diagnostic tests, highlighting their strengths and limitations. The study suggests that improved test accuracy could aid in pandemic control measures.
Virus Testing
Articles tagged with Virus Testing
An aptasensor has been designed to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in saliva
A new aptasensor has been designed to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in saliva samples, offering higher sensitivity than antigen-based sensors. The sensor can detect concentrations as low as 0.5 nanomolars and works quickly and cheaply.
Light the E-beacon: Method may lead to faster, more accurate test for coronavirus
Researchers at Binghamton University developed a new methodology called E-beacon that can detect SARS-CoV-2 with reliable results in under 2 hours. The E-beacon uses enzymatic beacons to recognize specific sequences in the virus' spike gene, producing a brighter light signal with increasing virus nucleic acid presence.
Breakthrough infections generate ‘super immunity’ to COVID-19, study suggests
A new study suggests that breakthrough infections generate 'super immunity' to COVID-19, providing a robust immune response against the delta variant and potentially other variants. The study found that antibodies generated from breakthrough cases were 1,000% more effective than those from vaccinated individuals.
CDC internal investigation probes first batch of COVID-19 tests
The CDC found flaws in the assay design and contamination of one component, leading to false positive reactivity in negative controls. A redesign and improved quality control measures have since been implemented.
Sugar-coated COVID-19 test strip takes advantage of coronavirus’ sweet tooth
University of North Carolina researchers have created a rapid sensing COVID-19 test strip using the natural biology of epithelial cells. The test is inspired by the virus' affinity for sugars in the glycocalyx matrix.
New liquid biopsy detects local immune activity
A new blood test developed at Hebrew University of Jerusalem detects immune and inflammatory activity in tissues by monitoring circulating DNA fragments. This method provides accurate information about immune processes in remote tissues, removing the need for invasive measures.
Scientists develop an RNA-based breath test to detect COVID-19
Researchers developed an RNA-based breath test called the Bubbler that can detect SARS-CoV-2 in exhaled breath, revealing a more direct indicator of current infection. The test also provides additional information on viral load and strain identity.
Breakthrough COVID-19 saliva Amplified Antigen Rapid Test is as sensitive as PCR test
The Parallel Amplified Saliva rapid POint-of-caRe Test (PASPORT) has been developed with a two-stage process, producing results in minutes and enabling sensitivity comparable to laboratory-based PCR tests. The test's sensitivity was 97% in a clinical study involving over 100 participants.
Large field hospital study shows rapid Covid-19 test compares solidly with PCR detection
A large field hospital study shows that a rapid Covid-19 test is as accurate as PCR detection, with high sensitivity rates for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The rapid antigen test's ease of use, time savings, and cost effectiveness make it an ideal solution to reduce testing disparities in medically underserved communities.
COVID screening tool for health care workers helped identify cases and prevent spread
A new analysis of the COVID Pass tool found that daily symptom attestation helped identify over 100 cases of COVID-19 among healthcare workers. The study suggests that these tools can play a crucial role in preventing transmission events, particularly when combined with testing and proper care.
Rapid test identifies antibody effectiveness against COVID-19 variants
A new rapid test developed by Duke University researchers can measure patient immunity against multiple COVID-19 variants like Omicron and Delta. The CoVariant-SCAN test uses a polymer brush coating to detect neutralizing antibodies, allowing for quick and accurate assessment of antibody effectiveness.
Data can help address health disparities
A local health department in Indiana used surveillance data to identify neighborhoods with high disease burden and set up test sites, resulting in a decline in new cases among targeted groups. The success of this intervention highlights the importance of using data to address systemic racism and promote health equity.
Survivors of severe Covid-19 may have increased risk of death within 12 months of illness
A study published in Frontiers in Medicine found that patients who survive severe Covid-19 have a significantly greater chance of dying over the next year. The risk is highest for those under 65, with a 233% increased chance of dying compared to uninfected individuals.
Synthetic tissue can repair hearts, muscles, and vocal cords
Researchers at McGill University create injectable hydrogel that forms stable structure allowing cells to grow and repair injured organs. The material's toughness and porosity make it suitable for heart, muscle, and vocal cord repair.
Well-known drug could help the most severely affected Covid-19 patients in intensive-care departments
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that prostacyclin treatment reduced damage to vital organs and halved mortality rates among critically ill Covid-19 patients. The research team hopes to investigate larger patient populations in future studies.
UCF researchers develop rapid, highly accurate test to detect viruses like COVID-19
Researchers have developed a device that detects viruses in seconds from blood samples with 95% accuracy, significantly improving over current rapid tests. The optical sensor uses nanotechnology to accurately identify viruses, making it a promising technology for early treatment and virus detection.
A natural substance extracted from marine algae prevents infection of cells with the Corona virus
Researchers have discovered that ulvan extracted from marine algae can prevent the infection of cells with the Corona virus. The study suggests that this cheap and accessible natural material may help solve the global spread of the pandemic in developing countries without access to vaccines.
Researchers identify technique to detect false positive COVID-19 results
A new protocol has been developed to identify potential false-positive COVID-19 results, particularly in asymptomatic non-exposed individuals. The method involved retesting all positive results from such patients, revealing 20 out of 288 initial positives to be false positives.
Same day test identifies secondary infections in COVID-19 patients
A rapid same-day test has been developed to identify secondary infections in COVID-19 patients on intensive care, allowing for targeted antibiotic treatment and reduced risk of antimicrobial resistance. The test uses nanopore sequencing technology to analyze bacterial and fungal pathogens present in patient samples.
SMART develops 10-minute test for detection of COVID immunity
A new test can determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies within 10 minutes, allowing for larger-scale screening and mass monitoring. The rapid cellulose pull-down viral neutralisation test has been developed using protein engineering technology and offers quick results with high accuracy.
Avoiding false positive for SARS-CoV-2 when using rapid antigen tests
Researchers found that omitting or altering the buffer solution can generate false positive results, highlighting its essential role in test function. The study's findings have far-reaching implications for public health worldwide, as the rapid antigen test has been distributed to over 120 countries.
Airborne Detection
Researchers at East Carolina University have discovered a new way to detect SARS-CoV-2 by testing air passing through building ventilation systems. The method revealed the presence of the virus in air samples with high accuracy, potentially leading to earlier detection and reduced transmission.
Rapid COVID-19 tests using saliva could be easier alternatives
Researchers found that rapid antigen tests can detect COVID-19 in saliva samples with high sensitivity early in infection, but later in infection the tests lose sensitivity. Saliva-based tests may offer a more comfortable and convenient option for diagnosing COVID-19, especially in children or younger unvaccinated students.
Vaccination status, detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection in health care personnel
A study of nearly 2000 healthcare workers found that being vaccinated against COVID-19 decreased asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection detection compared to unvaccinated staff. Vaccination status was associated with reduced risk of infection.
Highly abundant virus in humans could be a biomarker for COVID-19
A study at the University of São Paulo found that Torquetenovirus (TTV) titer is higher in people infected by SARS-CoV-2, suggesting it could be a biomarker for COVID-19 severity. TTV load correlates with disease progression and outcome, and its measurement may support diagnosis.
Covid-19 preventive measures for healthcare workers
Regular testing of asymptomatic healthcare workers identified as cost-efficient strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The study suggests that desynchronization of teams had limited effectiveness due to economic constraints.
In-person school during COVID-19 must address needs of underserved communities
The NIH emphasizes the need to engage with vulnerable communities in research design and implementation to ensure safe in-person schooling during COVID-19. This approach addresses significant gaps in previous studies conducted primarily in affluent neighborhoods.
Researchers develop CRISPR-based rapid diagnostic tool for SARS-CoV-2
Researchers at UC San Diego have created a CRISPR-based rapid diagnostic technology that detects SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus causing COVID-19. The new SENSR system is designed to simplify SARS-CoV-2 detection with a goal of eventual adaptation for in-home use.
Coronavirus: Minimal transmission risk when playing football
A study by the Universities of Basel and Saarland found almost no risk of coronavirus infection in football players, contradicting previous assumptions about team contact risks. The research team collected data from over 1,300 cases and concluded that outdoor sports with minimal physical contact pose a very low risk of infection.
Association for Molecular Pathology leaders publish recommendations to improve diagnostic testing response for current COVID-19 pandemic and future emerging outbreaks
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has published new guidelines to improve the US' ability to respond to emerging infectious disease outbreaks. The recommendations focus on better collaboration between public health, clinical laboratories, and government agencies.
More strategic COVID-19 testing could prevent distancing and shutdowns
A mathematical model suggests that high test administration, short testing delays, and intense non-pharmaceutical interventions decrease SARS-CoV-2 infection burdens. Increasing testing capacity can reduce reliance on costly interventions like distancing and shutdowns.
The Lancet Infectious Diseases: CoVID-19 vaccines lower risk of infection with delta variant, but infection can still be passed on in household settings
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of infection with the delta variant, but vaccinated people can still spread the virus in household settings. Vaccination remains effective at preventing severe disease and deaths from COVID-19.
Computer scientists developed method for identifying disease biomarkers with high accuracy
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have created a deep neural network that detects disease biomarkers with high accuracy, achieving 98 per cent detection of peptide features. This breakthrough could enable earlier and more accurate disease detection through tissue sample analysis.
Ohio State breath test can identify Covid-19 In critically ill patients
A new breath test developed by Ohio State researchers can identify COVID-19 infections in critically ill patients with high accuracy. The non-invasive technology uses nanosensors to detect specific biomarkers in exhaled breath, allowing for rapid screening and exclusion of non-infected patients.
Study finds genetic markers may predict severity of COVID-19 infection
Scientists at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have identified specific genetic biomarkers in blood samples that can indicate the severity of COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that these signals can be used to monitor SARS-CoV-2 status and predict clinical outcomes.
Carbon nanotube-based sensor can detect SARS-CoV-2 proteins
Researchers developed a novel sensor that can detect SARS-CoV-2 proteins without antibodies, giving results within minutes. The technology enables rapid diagnostics for Covid-19 and future pandemics, reducing economic loss.
Even college campuses with 100% vaccine rates need COVID-19 tests
A study of 5,000 simulated undergraduates found that weekly surveillance testing was associated with a substantial reduction in infections. Even at low vaccine effectiveness rates, quarantine protocols were effective in reducing infections by up to 93.6%.
COVID-19 and seasonal influenza: preparing for a season of co-circulation in Europe
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to reduced influenza reporting, but vaccination and strengthened surveillance are critical for a possible resurgence. Research highlights the importance of flu vaccination and early testing for non-influenza respiratory viruses.
Alternative to antibodies in diagnostics demonstrated in fight against viral infections such as COVID-19
A team of researchers at the University of Warwick has demonstrated a novel glycan-recognition technology for detecting SARS-COV-2 using sugars. The prototype devices showed promise in identifying COVID-19 positive swabs across various viral loads, including variants of concern.
Disease outbreak simulations reveal influence of “seeding” by multiple infected people
A new analysis suggests that the continuous arrival of infected individuals has a significant influence on the evolution and severity of local outbreaks. The researchers found an association between the number of seed arrivals and the speed of spread, final number of people infected, and peak incidence rate.
Incidence estimation from SARS-CoV-2 genomes
Researchers developed a computational method to estimate new infection rates from genomic sequences, revealing decreased case detection in Europe during summer 2020 due to relaxed testing criteria. The study also highlights the effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 spread.
Scientists develop new strategy that rapidly quantifies transmissibility of COVID-19 variants
A team of researchers developed a new nanomechanical technique to fast-track the detection of COVID-19 variants. The method provides real-time insights into infection immunity and enables direct classification of variant-binding properties.
Effectiveness of D-Dimer testing to rule out blood clot among COVID-19 patients
Researchers evaluated D-Dimer blood test to rule out blood clots in COVID-19 patients, finding it effective. The study also highlighted the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
Singapore research team uses indoor air sampling surveillance to sniff out COVID-19
A team of scientists has developed an air sampling surveillance system that can detect COVID-19 in indoor environments, producing a higher detection rate compared to surface swab samples. The system's potential for early warning of infection risks makes it valuable in hospitals and nursing homes.
Study questions popular COVID test, proposes new marker of disease severity
Researchers found that asymptomatic patients may not produce significant IgG antibodies, but rather a different kind of antibody count that can indicate disease severity. The study suggests using the ratio of these two counts as a marker to determine if a person has had COVID-19.
Poor oral health may impact COVID-19 severity, especially for cardiac patients
A study published by the American College of Cardiology found a significant inverse relationship between oral health and COVID-19 severity, as well as delayed recovery and increased inflammation in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Researchers recommend maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent or decrease COVID-19 disease severity.
T-cell tests unreliable in establishing previous COVID-19
Researchers found that T-cell tests are prone to false-positive responses due to cross-reactive reactions with other infections. The study suggests that these tests should not be used for individual diagnosis, but may still have a role in research and studies.
Nasal microbiota holds clues to who will develop symptoms from novel coronavirus
Studies found distinct patterns in nasal microbiota of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, with symptomatic patients showing reduced bacterial counts and increased presence of certain bacteria. The findings suggest that altered microbiota may impact immune response to the virus.
Promising low-cost method for rapid COVID-19 detection
Researchers at DTU Health Tech have invented a one-pot assay, NISDA, for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA without the need for enzyme-based methods. The assay detects low concentrations of RNA in 30 minutes and has shown high accuracy and sensitivity.
Shrinking waveforms on electrocardiograms predict worsening health and death of hospitalized COVID-19 and influenza patients
Researchers found that shrinking waveforms on electrocardiograms can help identify high-risk patients with COVID-19 or influenza, allowing for more aggressive monitoring and treatment. The study also showed that this technique may be particularly useful in overwhelmed systems where timely intervention is crucial.
Mathematical constructions of COVID virus activity could provide new insight for vaccines, treatment
Researchers developed a mathematical model to study the action of SARS-CoV-2, enabling the examination of individual virus particles and their spikes. This analysis can help fine-tune prevention and treatment by providing insights into viral load, spike distribution, and cell infection potential.
Hopkins Med news update
Researchers discovered that new mutations in the BRAF gene can lead to gliomas growing back after treatment, suggesting personalized approaches to therapy. The study also explored potential impacts of COVID-19 vaccines on menstruation.
DNA sensor quickly determines whether viruses are infectious
A new DNA sensor can detect both the presence and infectivity of viruses in minutes, providing a significant improvement over current methods that only detect genetic material. This breakthrough could aid in tracking and containing viral outbreaks, as well as understanding mechanisms of infection.
Saliva testing may allow early detection of human papillomavirus–driven head and neck cancers
Researchers found that salivary HR-HPV DNA can detect HPV-driven head and neck cancers (HNC) in most patients at the time of diagnosis. The study showed a clear survival advantage for salivary HR-HPV-positive patients, with high-risk strains detected in most cases.
Study findings could provide blueprint for regulating lab-developed diagnostic tests
Researchers found that validating accuracy of in vitro diagnostic tests carried costs and had higher true limits of detection than reported. The study suggests mechanisms for expanded regulatory oversight by the FDA, including technology certification to assess performance of complex diagnostic tests.
Test screening for leading infectious cause of hearing loss in babies feasible and well-received
A new saliva test for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) has been shown to be feasible and well-received by parents, with high uptake and accuracy rates. The test could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of cCMV-related hearing loss and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Rockefeller saliva test for COVID-19 outperforms commercial swab tests
A new study confirms that Rockefeller University's saliva test is as sensitive, if not more so, than FDA-authorized nasal and oral swab tests. The test has been used tens of thousands of times to identify and isolate infected individuals on campus and has the potential to improve safety in communities.
Microscopy plus AI equals rapid COVID-19 detection, according to Illinois research
A team of researchers from the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology has developed a fast, accurate, and cost-effective COVID-19 test. Using label-free microscopic imaging combined with artificial intelligence, they can detect and classify SARS-CoV-2 in under one minute.
RICCA: A ‘Lab-free, Lab-quality’ testing of RNA viruses to prepare for next pandemic
The Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has developed a 'lab-free, lab-quality' testing method for RNA viruses called RICCA, which can detect low copy numbers of virus RNA directly from saliva without laboratory processing. This method has the potential to decentralize COVID-19 molecular diagnosis in developing countries.