Nano magazine just reported the following:





As many nations across the world are dealing with increasing numbers of coronavirus cases, the testing of suspected carriers is being intensified also. The mass expansion of testing means that nations are currently relying heavily on traditional technology, based on the tried-and-true polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

This increased pressure on current testing methods that require laboratory machines, means that it is vital alternative approaches can be found to make it easier and quicker for potential carriers to be tested and screened. Some methods modify the standard PCR test, to amplify small bits of genetic material to enable detection, whereas others sequence the virus directly or use the genome editor CRISPR.

Meanwhile, another form of test, widely used in China’s efforts to fight the spread of coronavirus, offers a quick point-of-care solution by detecting the IgM and IgG antibodies your body creates to naturally fight off the virus.

More at source.




While antibody testing does not tell whether the person is currently infected, it does report whether they have recently been exposed to the virus. This can be particularly useful as it provides information on people who have previously been exposed and have recovered, something virus detecting tests do not. It provides rapid results with positive results in as little as 3 minutes and 15 minutes for a confirmed negative result.





The tests in question use nanometer scale gold particles that have been used in a number of tests over the years for parasitic, virus, and fungus diseases; tuberculosis, melioidosis, syphilis, brucellosis, shigellosis, and coli-infections; to determine blood groups and pregnancy at an early stage, for dot blot hybridization, and for revealing the diphtheritic toxin, diagnostics of myocardial infarction, and hepatitis B. It has also been used for screening of early stage cancer and even to treat things like prostate cancer.



Our president, Donald A. Chernoff, has reviewed "Indiana Executive Order 20-08 Stay at Home" dated 3/23/2020 .





He concluded that Advanced Surface Microscopy, Inc. is an Essential Business. Its activities are included in the "essential" list in Section 14, in three paragraphs:





(p) Supplies for Essential Businesses and Operations;
(t) Professional services; and
(u) Manufacture, Distribution, and Supply Chain for Critical Products and Industries.





As a result, Advanced Surface Microscopy, Inc, is remaining open during this crisis. We continue to serve our customers worldwide with the help of couriers like Fedex and UPS.  Samples for analysis and equipment for repair continue to arrive.  Analytical results, repaired equipment, refurbished equipment, calibration standards and software continue to ship out.  Remote technical support and consultation continue.  As we do all this, we are taking due care to protect the health of both our employees and our customers.