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COVID-19 is a difficult virus to deal with; symptoms can take weeks to appear after infection, the infection itself is extremely dangerous for the numerous at-risk populations across the world, and the virus can spread extremely quickly and easily. These factors make COVID-19 testing extremely important; without testing, there’s no telling if a person could spread the virus.
With many nations across the world starting to open up again, there has been a surge in demand for reliable, cheap, and quick COVID testing. Testing is hugely important, as many people infected with the virus don’t show symptoms - but they can still spread it. These asymptomatic carriers are extremely dangerous, and are part of the reason why lockdown and quarantine efforts have been so stringent.
Until recently, the only COVID testing option has been an extremely invasive and uncomfortable nasal swab. For those unfamiliar, the nasal swab test requires “inserting a 6-inch long swab (like a long Q-tip) into the cavity between the nose and mouth (nasopharyngeal swab) for 15 seconds and rotating it several times” (UCDavis). This is understandably extremely uncomfortable for the person being tested, and may be responsible for the reluctance many show towards being tested.
Recently, Washington University in St. Louis scientists developed a COVID test that only requires a patient’s salvia. This test is not only less invasive than the nasal swab test, it is also less expensive and could lead to eventual self testing technology for people to use at home. When the test is released for use, it will lead to a massive increase in the number of tests and make the tests much more accessible.
Go Bears!
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