Monitor sewage to track spread of coronavirus

New Scientist Page 7, 2nd May 2020. It can economically reveal which towns or districts still contain carriers, allowing more targeted individual tests. Sensitivity is high. Can detect up to 1 in 2 million in ideal conditions.

Why the contribution is important

Fantastically cheap method of quick regional and district level screening. Negative tests would allow lifting of restrictions. Positive tests can be repeated easily and quickly after interventions to see if they are working.

by Tbrake45 on May 05, 2020 at 07:45PM

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Average rating: 3.4
Based on: 5 votes

Comments

  • Posted by DaveMac May 08, 2020 at 20:56

    Baseline numbers established while in current lockdown could be followed up regularly, allowing early detection of problem areas, which could be controlled, by short term local restrictions and targeted testing.
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