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Numerous studies attempt to accurately determine the number of Coronavirus infections, but many experts have confirmed the difficulty of obtaining accurate results in the current period.
For example, an American study estimated that the actual number of injuries is approximately 10 times the official number, and other research in Santa Clara County, California, estimated that the number of injuries is at least 50 times greater, and in the county Los Angeles scientists estimated the actual number of infections is approximately 40 times the number of reported cases.
Until recently, researchers had to rely on statistical models, some of which estimated that for every confirmed case of coronavirus, there are likely to be seven to 10 people infected but not counted, but as blood tests began to Using antibodies, scientists hope that the image becomes more focused.
“I think we have started to have data that accurately shows the extent of the infection, but more and more rigorous studies are needed to get a better understanding,” said Stephen Morse, an expert at Columbia University in the spread of the disease.
What are antibody tests?
Antibody tests are widely used in many diseases, such as measles, dengue, and HIV, in which researchers take a blood sample, often just a fingertip, to look for antibodies against the virus. indicates that this person has already been infected and has recovered from the virus.
What is its importance?
Due to the limited number of nose and throat scans, it is not possible to perform a virus test on everyone who is expected to be infected with the virus, so blood tests are a suitable alternative.
If blood tests are accurate and research is done well, it can help scientists determine the percentage of people who have never had clear symptoms, and they can determine the severity of the Corona virus by determining the actual number of people infected.
It will also help scientists determine the levels of antibodies that protect a person from infection with the virus a second time and how long this immunity lasts.
These tests can also help the number of people who have contracted the virus and acquired immunity, which can help lift restrictions on closure and open the economy again.
Are the tests accurate?
Regarding the accuracy of these tests, Dr. Geoffrey Engel, executive director of the National Organization of State Pathologists and Epidemiologists, said the first question to ask is what test is used, indicating that dozens of analyzes of Blood in the United States that is marketed is not accurate. Absolutely
He added that a small percentage of false data that can be obtained from these accurate tests can lead to incorrect numbers regarding the number of HIV infections.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced approval for four antibody tests so far.
While Dr. Albert Rizzo, president of the American Lung Association, explained that the more people get tested, the safer the virus could be, the people who could become infected and transmit the infection.
He suggested that it was important to have people of all ages, races, and geographic regions.
How are people selected for these tests?
As for how people choose antibody tests, the study in Santa Clara County, California, attracted most of the 3,300 participants through a Facebook ad.
While the New York study collected around 3,000 samples from people who shop in supermarkets and grocery stores.
