This year, I'm a little late with my post on the Nucleic Acids Research (NAR) database issue. While I was procrastinating, a pandemic broke out. So, unsurprisingly, this year's database topic is viruses. The NAR archive lists more than 32 databases related to viruses. Of these, 22 are still operational and five of the databases have information about SARS-CoV-2.
Our schools are closed. The farmers market is suspended. Spring sports are not happening. And our grocery stores look like this: Like many residents, I'm torn between enjoying the sun, or anxiously pacing around the house and getting teary eyed over the #SeattleWeGotThis hashtag on Twitter . The historians say ...
What's in a test? Or better yet what's in 55 SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 molecular diagnostic tests? Plenty. 55 FDA EUAs indicate that nine different test formats are used, ranging from RT-PCR, to digital PCR, to isothermal amplification, to LAMP with a CRISPR enzyme.
The numbers of SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 diagnostic tests are exploding. These tests detect either viral RNA or antibodies to virus particles. But, which is best? That, of course, depends on what question is being asked.
