There are many names for it, including COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2. The Coronavirus, whatever you call it is, is a respiratory disease. It is a coronavirus, which first appeared in December 2019. It can easily be spread from person to person and in some cases, it can even cause severe complications.
It is easy to spread. Prevention is best achieved through physical distancing and mask-wearing. Also, it is important to stay home if you feel ill. It has caused millions of deaths around the world and we are still trying to determine the long-term effects on individuals.
What is the Spread of COVID?
Coronavirus can spread from one person to another through droplets of virus particles released into the air. They are found in the nose and cluster together. Talking or doing anything similar will help propel them out, such as coughing, sneezing or sneezing. These invisible particles can travel far and wide to infect others. This is more likely to happen if people don’t keep space, wear masks, or take other precautions.
What is the COVID-19 incubation period?
Symptoms will appear within 2-14 days of direct exposure. It has been proven that even before symptoms start, you can still be infected (possible to spread to others). This is why this virus is so easy to spread. You can get infected for up to 10-20 days depending on how severe the case is and how strong your immune system is to it. In this instance, you should be taking care of yourself.
How can you test for SARS CoV-2? How can it be diagnosed?
COVID symptoms are very common in other diseases, so it is difficult to diagnose the condition by merely observing symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 may be mistaken for the common cold, or the flu. Testing is the only way you can be sure. Many people infected with Coronavirus have no symptoms so it is impossible to know what they are suffering. Lab testing is required to diagnose Coronavirus. To ensure that tests are accurate and completed in a reasonable time, it takes special instruments and collection tools. You need reliable transport systems and trusted suppliers to ensure that your tests are accurate.
Current tests for the novel coronavirus can be found in many laboratories across the country. These range from state health labs to private labs and academic labs. To test for COVID-19, the usual procedure is to insert a swab approximately 6 inches deep into your nose. This is called a Nasopharyngeal Swab. It should be swabbed for around 15 seconds to collect enough material for accurate testing. To ensure that proper sample collection is achieved, it will generally be done with both nostrils. The swab goes directly from the sampling point to being placed into sterile transport media so that it can reach the laboratory for testing.
What time do I need to get tested for Coronavirus?
You should always consult your doctor about your specific circumstances. However, if you feel you have been exposed to a virus or other disease it is advisable to have your test done. The worst thing that could happen is that you are negative. However, testing is not a panacea. Even if you have been exposed to the virus, it is unlikely that you have a sufficient amount of virus in your body for you to be positive. You should receive all COVID-19 testing materials at no cost. The government will pay for the rest.
What type of swabs can be used to conduct COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing
Although there are many swabs for laboratory testing, FDA has chosen a few specimen swabs to best suit your SARS-CoV-2 testing needs. It should be long enough to reach your nose and mouth and be able to be placed directly in a transport medium. Here are their thoughts:
- A specimen of the Nasopharyngeal, (NP), was collected by a healthcare professional using a specialized mini tip swab.
- An HCP collects an Oropharyngeal specimen (OP) using a swab and a full-sized tip.
- A mid-turbinate specimen can be collected by an HCP, or onsite using a specialized tapered swab.
- Anterior nares specimens can be collected by an HCP, or onsite using a round foam swab or spun fiber swab. A swab that has a full-sized tip (OP type swab), is preferred to a swab that has a small tip (NP type swab). Below are additional notes about the performance of anterior-nares swabbing.
What makes a good MTM critical?
It would be a shame to set up your entire process and then have viable samples collected. However, they may not survive transport or become contaminated by the transport medium. All COVID-19 samples should only be transported using FDA-approved transport mediums.
Why do you need to choose a reliable lab supplier
Quality laboratory supplies suppliers will be able to ensure that you get all the lab testing and materials you need promptly and in the condition you expected. You can’t afford to compromise on something as crucial as COVID testing. Quality lab suppliers will work closely with you to adapt the process as necessary to meet your needs. Healthcare is fast-paced and constantly changing. You need to be on top of everything in your testing and facilitation.