What is Industrial Genetics actually testing for?
The environmental testing done by Industrial Genetics identifies the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This is done through surface sampling and/or wastewater sampling.
How will environmental testing by Industrial Genetics benefit me?
Industrial Genetics delivers genetic testing at the molecular level to examine clients’ surface environments and wastewater to determine the viral load of SARS-CoV-2. The information collected helps communities, company employers and organizations, healthcare providers and governing bodies understand the impact of COVID-19 so that an educated next step can be made to combat the virus. This testing can help validate and monitor manual cleaning processes. It will help identify areas that may require deep cleaning, or you may find that your infection prevention protocols are effective and no further reinforcement is required.
What is a novel coronavirus?
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
What is SARS-CoV-2?
SARS-CoV-2 is the scientific name of the novel strain of coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19.
How is the virus spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in many affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.
What is viral load?
Viral load is the measure of virus particles in a given space, environment, or sample.
What is DNA?
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is essentially a blueprint in living organisms that provide the plans to build all of the biomolecules in the that organism. It can be used for repair or creation of organs or tissues.
What is the role of DNA in our testing?
The role of DNA in our testing provides us with a unique sequence only found in SARS-CoV-2 while rejecting all other microorganisms. Current technology is highly accurate in identifying which microorganism is in a sample. In our case, we can test for SARS-CoV-2 in environmental samples from surfaces to sewage.
What is molecular testing?
Molecular testing is the ability to test for microorganisms' DNA sequence. This verifies species and strain but also helps us to understand the degree of pathogenicity or the strength of an organism to infect others. Additionally, molecular testing can involve testing for other biomarkers such as upregulated proteins in response to injury or illness.
Why is molecular testing so important for identifying COVID-19?
Molecular testing is vital to identifying SARS-CoV-2 because we do not have all of the information about COVID. Some people get very sick when exposed to SARS-CoV-2 while others are minimally affected. We cannot identify SARS-CoV-2 infections by symptoms alone.
What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?
Cleaning with soap and water removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It lowers the risk of spreading infection. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces. By killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
For additional questions, see Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions at the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
The environmental testing done by Industrial Genetics identifies the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This is done through surface sampling and/or wastewater sampling.
How will environmental testing by Industrial Genetics benefit me?
Industrial Genetics delivers genetic testing at the molecular level to examine clients’ surface environments and wastewater to determine the viral load of SARS-CoV-2. The information collected helps communities, company employers and organizations, healthcare providers and governing bodies understand the impact of COVID-19 so that an educated next step can be made to combat the virus. This testing can help validate and monitor manual cleaning processes. It will help identify areas that may require deep cleaning, or you may find that your infection prevention protocols are effective and no further reinforcement is required.
What is a novel coronavirus?
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
What is SARS-CoV-2?
SARS-CoV-2 is the scientific name of the novel strain of coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19.
How is the virus spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in many affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.
What is viral load?
Viral load is the measure of virus particles in a given space, environment, or sample.
What is DNA?
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is essentially a blueprint in living organisms that provide the plans to build all of the biomolecules in the that organism. It can be used for repair or creation of organs or tissues.
What is the role of DNA in our testing?
The role of DNA in our testing provides us with a unique sequence only found in SARS-CoV-2 while rejecting all other microorganisms. Current technology is highly accurate in identifying which microorganism is in a sample. In our case, we can test for SARS-CoV-2 in environmental samples from surfaces to sewage.
What is molecular testing?
Molecular testing is the ability to test for microorganisms' DNA sequence. This verifies species and strain but also helps us to understand the degree of pathogenicity or the strength of an organism to infect others. Additionally, molecular testing can involve testing for other biomarkers such as upregulated proteins in response to injury or illness.
Why is molecular testing so important for identifying COVID-19?
Molecular testing is vital to identifying SARS-CoV-2 because we do not have all of the information about COVID. Some people get very sick when exposed to SARS-CoV-2 while others are minimally affected. We cannot identify SARS-CoV-2 infections by symptoms alone.
What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?
Cleaning with soap and water removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It lowers the risk of spreading infection. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces. By killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
For additional questions, see Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions at the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
References: Dr. David Sprague, Xenex Disinfection Services, and Center for Disease Control