Testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA - Presented by Dr. Malur Sudhanva

Learn about SARS-CoV-2 RNA testing in this comprehensive 46-minute lecture presented by Dr. Malur Sudhanva, Consultant Medical Virologist at Kings College Hospital and Lead Clinical Advisor for Lighthouse laboratories. Explore various aspects of COVID-19 testing, including construction, handling extraction, PCR techniques, and national checklists. Gain insights into laboratory operations, staffing, equipment, and data management through NHS Digital. Discover the challenges of asymptomatic testing, turnaround times, and result reporting. Understand the differences between PCR and lateral flow tests, positive limit detection, and the significance of void results. Delve into topics such as vaccine rollout, emerging variants, and the connection to Sanger Institute. Conclude with a discussion on the greatest challenges faced in SARS-CoV-2 testing.

Syllabus

Introduction
Construction
Handling extraction
PCR
National Checklist
Problems
Endpoint PCR
Lab dashboards
Staff
Machines
NHS Digital
Thank you
Asymptomatic testing
Turnaround time
Where do the results go
Do results go back to the GP
What is positive limit detection
Is lateral flow a replacement for PCR
What are the voids
Vaccine rollout
Emergence of variance
Link to Sanger
Greatest challenge