Covid-19 Testing Protocols
In the extraordinary times in which we live, biotechnology is playing a vital role in helping to identify and contain coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, outbreaks around the world. There are three tools that are fundamental to many areas of biological research: DNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and gel electrophoresis. Write an essay that outlines the key steps in testing for active SARS-CoV-2 (the coronavirus responsible for causing Covid-19) in a patient. Begin with a brief description of how the sample is collected and follow with a description of each of the biotechnology procedures that are used to determine if the patients sample contains SARS-CoV-2. Use the resources listed below as a guide to the processes you should include. You should write approximately one paragraph for each step, beginning with the collection of the sample and finishing with reporting the results (5-6 paragraphs). Points will be assigned for correctly identifying the steps and for providing a description of the step and its purpose in the protocol. Your essay should be typed in Times New Roman 12-pt font and be one-and-a-half-spaced with 1 margins. Resources How we test for SARS-CoV-2 with RT-PCR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3ajN0DKaEw The following articles and the embedded references can be used as resources for this assignment. https://annals.org/aim/fullarticle/2764737/diagnostic-testing-severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-related-coronavirus-2-narrative https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/how-sars-cov-2-tests-work-and-whats-next-in-covid-19-diagnostics-67210 Further information can be found at The Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, Oxford University (https://www.cebm.net/covid-19/)
