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Hi, I Have A Question Regarding The Wuhan Coronavirus. I
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Question: Hi,
I have a question regarding the Wuhan Coronavirus. I have a distant relative with indirect contact who has done a test for the virus due to cough. Results were in the negative.
However, can the blood test work when the virus is in the incubation period or how soon after infection can the blood test detect the virus? I would assume it can’t be detected a few hours after infection.
Thankyou,
Regards.
I have a question regarding the Wuhan Coronavirus. I have a distant relative with indirect contact who has done a test for the virus due to cough. Results were in the negative.
However, can the blood test work when the virus is in the incubation period or how soon after infection can the blood test detect the virus? I would assume it can’t be detected a few hours after infection.
Thankyou,
Regards.
Brief Answer:
The RT-PCR can detect the virus in the body even in the incubation period .
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome in "Ask a Doctor".
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
You should know that In the US, tests are being done only at the CDC in XXXXXXX with a "reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction" test, or RT-PCR (which can convert RNA into DNA and amplify genetic sequences), making them easier to study and compare till the moment the virus enter in the body.
So, you can detect the virus in the body even in the incubation period .But usually it is recommended to do the test just when the patient has symptoms like fever and cough like your relative.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards.
The RT-PCR can detect the virus in the body even in the incubation period .
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome in "Ask a Doctor".
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
You should know that In the US, tests are being done only at the CDC in XXXXXXX with a "reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction" test, or RT-PCR (which can convert RNA into DNA and amplify genetic sequences), making them easier to study and compare till the moment the virus enter in the body.
So, you can detect the virus in the body even in the incubation period .But usually it is recommended to do the test just when the patient has symptoms like fever and cough like your relative.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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