NIST's research on COVID-19

Measuring the Sensitivity of COVID Tests With New Material From NIST

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) sent this bulletin at 08/06/2020 12:23 PM EDT

View as a Web Page Measuring the Sensitivity of COVID Tests With New Material From NIST Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have produced synthetic gene fragments from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This material, which is non-infectious and safe to handle, can help manufacturers produce more accurate and reliable diagnostic tests for the disease. Tests for an active infection — as opposed to antibody tests that indicate a past infection — work by detecting the virus’s genes on a nasal swab. But a negative result does not necessarily mean that a person is disease-free. It could be that the amount of virus is too low for the test to detect, which is especially possible during the first days after catching the virus. Read More More about NIST's research on COVID-19 An Inside Look at Science in Action  Aug. 6, 2020 Working alone in the lab, but with remote support from her colleagues, NIST research biologist Megan Cleveland produced synthetic gene fragments from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This material, which is non-infectious and safe to handle, can help manufacturers produce more accurate and reliable diagnostic tests for the disease. Watch this video to learn more about this project and see what it’s like to work in a lab during a pandemic. Face Coverings Made From Layered Cotton Fabric Likely Slow the Spread of COVID-19 Better Than Synthetics, New Study Finds June 29, 2020 Of the 32 cloth materials tested, three of the five most effective at blocking particles were 100% cotton and had a visible raised fiber or nap, such as found on flannels. Read More