Mar 6 2020
Q: I had an idea if there is someway we could test for the coronavirus with our digital equipment like the no contact thermometer and possibly some other device, or in-home test that we might be able to sell 1 million of them so people could test themselves in home for the virus. What do you think: I’m crazy or am I a genius?
A: Hi, one cannot diagnose any infection with certainty without a culture. In fact, most of the people diagnosed with coronavirus infection did not have culture performed because it takes up to 30 days to culture a virus. Most people are diagnosed with screening tests which are quite inaccurate, or just a chest X-ray or CT. For instance, if I am from the area like Northern Italy, I am presumed guilty until proven innocent without any additional tests. If I get sick and a screening test is positive - I am proven guilty, but if test is negative while there are “typical” findings on X-ray or CT, even in the absence of positive culture and/or positive screening tests - I am still guilty!