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Wed, January 22, 2025

Ultrasensitive test detects and serially monitors intact virus levels in COVID-19 patients


Published on 2025-01-22 15:22:27 - MSN
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  • Investigators from Mass General Brigham have found that a method originally designed for cancer detection can also identify and monitor even tiny amounts of SARS-CoV-2 intact viral particles in blood and other fluids from patients with acute COVID-19 infections,

The article from MSN discusses a groundbreaking development in the fight against COVID-19, detailing an ultrasensitive test capable of detecting and monitoring intact virus levels in patients. This test, developed by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, uses a technique called single-molecule array (Simoa) to measure the concentration of the virus's nucleocapsid protein, which indicates the presence of infectious virus particles. Unlike other tests that might detect fragments of the virus or antibodies, this method provides real-time insights into the actual viral load, which is crucial for understanding the progression of the disease, the effectiveness of treatments, and the potential for transmission. The test's sensitivity allows for the detection of the virus at levels far below what traditional PCR tests can identify, offering a new tool for managing and potentially predicting the course of the infection in patients.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/public-safety-and-emergencies/health-and-safety-alerts/ultrasensitive-test-detects-and-serially-monitors-intact-virus-levels-in-covid-19-patients/ar-AA1xG10v ]
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