How The Day 2 Lateral Flow Test Is Keeping The World Moving

The arrival of the COVID-19 virus was sudden and perhaps unexpected, and although the effects have been felt in almost every country all over the world, we were ready for it. Thanks to medical testing and diagnostics, there were already systems in place for testing for viruses and even the antibodies within humans. We have come along way since the start of the COVID pandemic, and here in the UK we have developed a number of different ways to ensure testing takes place as and when it is needed, such as the PCR test and the day 2 lateral flow test.

What Is Lateral Flow Testing?

Lateral flow testing refers to the method of which the actual test takes place. Lateral flow tests were developed so that fast and accurate tests could be taken without the use of special equipment. It can be taken by most people and does not require any specialist knowledge to perform. Here’s how it works:

1. A sample is taken from the subject with a swab, usually from the nasal canal and the back of the throat
2. This sample is mixed with a liquid solution that is designed to extract the virus being tested
3. This solution is then dripped onto the lateral flow testing pad
4. After 30 minutes the solution has worked its way up the absorbant testing strip and gives a result (hence ‘Lateral Flow’)

The day 2 lateral flow test was specifically designed to be used on day 2 of returning from another country, since that is when the virus could be present in your system.

How Covid Testing Works

The T Detect COVID Test is a novel method which tests the T cell receptor immune response to COVID-19. Key information and emerging scientific data which deepen understanding of SARS CoV-2 continue to be important keys for the control of this virulent global pandemic. The test specifically tests DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) sequences from T cells to assist in identifying individuals with a strong adaptive immune response to the disease. The study is conducted jointly by the Wellcome Trust, the University of Reading, the University of Leicester and the Royal Society of Medicine, UK.

Covid And The SARS Virus

According to researchers, there are currently eleven known subtypes of SARS which can be spread among humans through contact with respiratory secretions, direct physical contact, or indirectly through infected animals and plants. The study further explains that although most sufferers of SARS exhibit no history of previous exposure to the virus, some people may be at risk due to genetic mutations which increase vulnerability to infection. Additionally, as the virus spreads among animals and through indirect contact, even genetically identical twins can develop symptoms of illness if they share a living environment. This makes the covid test particularly useful since it simultaneously tests for both surface and genetic virus particles.

Viral Response Tests

This study further explains that several experimental SARS tests have been conducted to evaluate how people might respond when exposed to a milder virus which then simulates the full-blown infection, making it easier to diagnose and treat. The study tested full scale viruses, as well as a strain of wild-type SARS that causes more frequent and severe symptoms such as fever and cough. A total of 10 healthy adults were infected with the SARS virus in controlled settings and received five days of contaminated air and saliva testing. Based on results from the testing, the researchers determined that none of the individuals showed an acute onset of illness, indicating that the virus was only present in their systems and not causing them any harm.