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.