COVID-19 Testing Method

(1)

COVID-19 Testing Method (RT-PCR)

Performer

Venue Procedure



^Specimen

Collection

medical staff

separate space

※ chance of infection

Required device

Collect a sample

from the PUI^*’s nostrils/sputum

using a swab, and put the swab

into a tube containing

Universal Transport Medium (* PUI : Person Under Investigation)

Universal Transport Medium*

(or viral transport medium)

(* preserves and cultivates the virus)

⇩



^RNA

extraction

expert Class ∥ bio-safety

cabinet that can control air

flow

(personal protective equipment

needed)

※ chance of infection

Option Merit/demerit

Extract the RNA from the sample

gained in stage

 by using a reagent for extracting nucleic acid and create a

separate sample containing only

the RNA.

when done by humans

(+) only requires personal protective equipment (-) skilled staff needed

* can perform about 100 tests per day

when done by automated

devices

(+) consistent performance (-) takes 2-4 weeks to set up,

high cost

⇩



^Amplifica

-tion/Test

expert

lab

Required device

Amplify the RNA in the

sample from stage  using reagents, test kits, and a PCR device. Then,

run an assay to see whether the results come out

positive or negative.

test kit*

* nine products in South Korea approved for exportation

qPCR device

&

computer

⇩



^Diagnosis

medical specialist/

Diagnosticians lab

※ When diagnosing COVID-19, be aware of the possibility of “false negative“, in which patients who are actually positive can be tested negative due to a low concentration of the virus.

Make the final diagnosis.