TedEd: How do virus tests actually work?

A TedEd by Cella Wright

In order to stop a new virus from spreading, two tests are critical. PCR and Immunoassay testing. PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction testing, and it can identify whether a person is currently carrying a disease. First, a sample is taken from a person, and tested to identify genetic material from the virus. However, this material is often very faint. Here, PCR can amplify this by copying the enzymes of DNA. Of only RNA is present in the sample, the PCR first creates cDNA by reverse transcribing. A machine can now use a fluorescent eye to find any existing viruses. Immunoassay testing is antibody testing. It scans the body’s immune system memory to find proteins that help fight the virus. There may be two different types. IgM antibodies are created at the outset of a sickness and indicate recent infection. IgG enzymes, on the other hand, circulate the body for weeks after it is gone, and suggests that one was infection a while back. These are especially important because the blood plasma from people who have antibodies can be used to help current patients fight the virus.