What is the best sample type for detectign COVID-19?
Several samples were screened in a recent study for their suitability for detecting COVID-19. Of all the sample types, Bronchoalveolar fluid (BAL) was the best sample from which to detect COVID-19. All the sample types were analysed using rRT-PCR (real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction).
The issue identified by ZP is that a Bronchoalveolar lavage is a very invasive procedure, which involves a medical professional extracting the lungs using a wash fluid. The BAL sample collection method is not going to be a scalable procedure for high-throughput rapid and accurate population COVID-19 screening.
In order to have highly accurate mass screening, be it by rRT-PCR or other analytical technique, it will be necessary to have a better surrogate for BAL.
At ZP we are promoting the collection of exhaled alveolar breath condensate using the CE marked Inflammacheck.
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