premier diagnostics covid testing locations

The latter are what are currently called ‘molecular tests’. This can be done by culture of the virus, detection of one or more of its proteins and, the method used most frequently during the present pandemic, direct detection of nucleic acids or detection via amplification of nucleic acids. First there is the direct detection of (parts of) the virus.

The current diagnostic procedures are twofold. Being able to define the pathogen, biologically and genetically, and whether it is inducing (protective) immunity are key in the development of protective and curative protocols against future persisting disease. The detection and characterization of the etiological agent or its immunological consequences in the host are the necessary starting points 2.

Continuous global improvement in diagnostic test preparedness is essential for more rapid detection of patients, possibly at the point of care, and for optimized prevention and treatment, in both industrialized countries and low-resource settings.ĭuring a pandemic there are multiple concurrent clinical priorities, including the need to understand the pathophysiology of the disease, optimized patient care and prevention of future infections 1. We explore the technical and implementation problems encountered during this early phase in the pandemic, and try to define future directions for the progressive and better use of (syndromic) diagnostics during a possible resurgence of COVID-19 in future global waves or regional outbreaks. In this Review, we summarize the crucial role of diagnostic tests during the first global wave of COVID-19. Hundreds of molecular tests and immunoassays were rapidly developed, albeit many still await clinical validation and formal approval. During the early phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, design, development, validation, verification and implementation of diagnostic tests were actively addressed by a large number of diagnostic test manufacturers.

Premier diagnostics covid testing locations