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What information does each test give us for COVID-19?
For the detection of the SARS-CoV2 virus, RT-PCR tests have been used since the beginning of the pandemic to determine the genetic material of the virus in the most sensitive way, but they require qualified staff and laboratory instruments, taking several hours or some days to have available post-sampling results when samples need to be transported to a laboratory. On the other hand, rapid antigen and antibody tests [...]
Sample collection. Are saliva tests reliable?
The detection of SARS-CoV-2 is based on the identification of viral RNA from respiratory samples by RT-PCR. Currently, the standard method for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection is the one that includes the nasopharyngeal swab, but there are other alternatives (nasal swab, oropharyngeal swab or saliva) whose sensitivity and specificity are under discussion. Figure 1. Differences between nasal swab, nasopharyngeal swab and oropharyngeal swab. However, the use [...]
The importance of sensitivity in COVID-19 testing
The limit of detection of an RT-PCR test is the lowest detectable concentration of viral RNA that gives a positive result (in more than 95% of repeat measurements). A low detection limit indicates a higher analytical sensitivity, which means that the test can detect a positive result from a lower number of viral RNA copies per sample. The greatest benefit of tests with a low limit of detection [...]
Nasal swab is almost as effective as nasopharyngeal swab
Detecting people with SARS-CoV-2 infection helps to reduce the transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 disease, therefore to control the spread of the viral infection. For that purpose, there are different diagnostic tests for the detection of this disease. One of the most used, due to its specificity and high sensitivity, is the detection of the virus by PCR, in which the smear for the collection of [...]
Adherence study to the Gluten-Free Diet in celiac patients
The Central Hospital of Asturias has published a scientific article whose main objective is to analyze the adherence to the Gluten-Free Diet (GFD) in celiac patients. This clinical study has been carried out by the determination of Gluten Immunogenic Peptides (GIP) in feces and the completion of a dietary questionnaire. During the investigation, a sample of 80 patients diagnosed with Celiac Disease (CD) was taken, who had followed [...]
Screening for the early detection of celiac disease cases in sports centers in the province of Seville
At Biomedal, we are proud to announce that today we have finally launched screening for the early detection of celiac disease cases in sports centers in the province of Seville. This proposal is included in a scientific study carried out by our laboratories and the University of Seville and which, in addition, has the support of the Seville Celiac Association (ASPROCESE). Its main objectives are: Detect possible cases [...]