SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that infects the respiratory epithelium: the cells lining the nose, oral cavity, the trachea and bronchial tubes. Specifically, the virus binds to receptors on the cell surface called ACE2. Infection involves the virus to be taken up into the host cells where the viral genome consisting of RNA is replicated and packaged to produce new virions.
To diagnose COVID-19 a sample of nasal or oral secretions are collected to look for viral RNA, evidence of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in that person. The RNA is extracted, then polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) is used to amplify the sequence specific to SARS-CoV-2. The results of these tests are "Detected" - positive for the virus, "Not Detected" - no virus or so little that it cannot be detected, or "Inconclusive" - the sample is degraded or insufficient in material to perform the test. OraRisk® COVID-19 RT-PCR requires a collection from an oral rinse collection. Click HERE to learn more.
