Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to de velop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.

COVID-19 PCR testing, or Polymerase Chain Reaction testing , is a diagnostic method used to detect the genetic material (RNA) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. This test is considered the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis due to its high accuracy and sensitivity. PCR testing is highly sensitive and specific, making it reliable for diagnosing COVID-19 infections, especially in the early stages of the disease or in asymptomatic individuals. A sample is collected from the patient, typically through a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab. In some cases, saliva or other respiratory specimens may also be used. It is crucial to note that the accuracy of the test also depends on the quality of the sample collected and the timing of the test concerning the onset of symptoms or exposure to the virus.

COVID-19 sequencing for variant analysis