/oss/taxonomy/term/4407/all en /oss/article/how-do-we-rapidly-test-covid-19 <p>There’s a lot of talk about testing for the new coronavirus and how testing kits are in short supply in certain areas. But what few people explain is what is inside this mystery box. How are scientists able to test not only for the presence of <i>a </i>virus in a nose swab, but of this specific virus?</p> <p>The core idea behind the test is to make many copies of a unique part of the virus’ genetic code using a technique called PCR. And if you’re familiar with photocopies, you can understand how this process works in the lab.</p> Wed, 11 Mar 2020 19:25:31 +0000 Jonathan Jarry M.Sc. 8173 at /oss