Coronavirus wastewater tests detect outbreaks 10 days faster

Researchers from the UK's Center for Ecology and Hydrology are working on a standardized test for...

According to them, such an analysis canpredict spikes in infections 10 days earlier than standard medical tests.

A network of scientists from universities throughoutThe UK has already teamed up with local water companies to collect untreated wastewater samples from treatment plants; this is the first step in mapping potential outbreaks. Researchers note that even such wastewater samples in various parts of the sewer network will determine where the outbreak occurred. This will be a signal for officials who may introduce separate security measures in different areas.

New reality: how the VR industry will change after the pandemic

Researchers want to customize and reproducethis test before being deployed and made part of the COVID-19 outbreak alert system. They noted that many countries, including Spain, began to monitor wastewater, but they had problems. For example, one of the results indicating the presence of coronavirus in the waters of Barcelona was the result of laboratory pollution.

We can calculate how much virus is in the sample. This will allow us to understand where this sample comes from, who the company serves, and narrow down the search for people who might be infected with the coronavirus. It is in this part of the city that measures must be taken to stop the outbreak.

The main advantage of the new method is its speed. The results of a standard medical test require 7–10 days. Analysis of wastewater will require just one day.

Read also

— Parade of Planets - 2020: where to watch, when it will happen and what science says about it

— Look at Crew Dragon from an unexpected angle: this photo was taken by an astronaut

— Look at the sharks, whose eyes are even covered with teeth