How do you know if you have a virus? - Cella Wright

Dig into two testing techniques for viruses: PCR tests to diagnose an infection and immunoassays to detect antibodies.

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A new virus emerges and spreads like wildfire. In order to contain it, researchers must first collect data about who’s been infected. Two main viral testing techniques are critical: one tells you if you have the virus and the other shows if you’ve already had it. So, how exactly do these tests work? Cella Wright explores the science of PCR tests and immunoassays.

Lesson by Cella Wright, directed by Hype CG.

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[trafalgardwaterlaw]

Ted ed makes you feel like a half doctor sometimes

[heimskurhungog]

Can we all just appreciate the illustrations, and the transitions of scenes, ted-ed never fails to deliver.

[lillyswann]

I really appreciate that TED ED is making these video during this difficult time...thank you for keeping us entertain and knowledgeable

[CellRus]

This is why not only the clinicians but scientists and researchers are also equally essential. If one doctor can treat 10 patients, then 1 scientist can potentially save millions, and if we are to win this fight, a vaccine is absolutely critical.

[tangram_eclair]

I think it's so creative that the Ted-Ed guy has a mask.

[vikaspandey]

material, illustration, animation and her voice help us give complete attention and actually understand everything.

[skingsleyyy]

3:17 Those health professionals took like a third of his blood supply

[DerekSpeareDSD]

meanwhile, here in America we'd rather wait on the wind of god to blow the virus away...

[serenity]

Very well done! I do the PCR testing at the lab. We also have the rapid test that delivers results within 1 hour but it's reserved for stats only.

[rosemarker]

Video: *mentions PCR*

Me: *starts humming the PCR song*

[rabbit-ifkt]

to the few people who will see this comment. stay safe stay home and we're all in this together!

[wood]

Is every video now going to have a cartoon character wearing a mask? Cause why not let them hold toilet paper?

[joshuagarcia]

Shout out to our Medical Laboratory Scientist who actually performs these tests within the lab!

[elishaelisha]

I'm aspiring to be a doctor and i am actually studying about PCR and stuffs.I can't believe that TED-Ed is helping me achieving success to become a doctor too. THANKS TED-Ed.

[nia.r]

My mum is a nurse for the elderly and someone at her work got covid, she has to get tested today so she’s really scared. We’re watching these so we’re more informed and she’s less scared

[BrandonSmith-lrtl]

This is one of the most amazing informative animations I've ever seen. Keep doing what you're doing.

[annalow]

When Singapore gets mentioned in a video in a positive way I always feel unecessarily happy/ proud HAHAH anyways thank you TED-ED for everything you've done to keep us well informed and entertained!

[axel]

I am from Singapore and I am so proud of our biologist and healthcare workers. Aside from our migrant worker cluster which is getting 500+ cases a day, we only have 1-2 cases in the community. However this is during lockdown, any wrong step and we are back to square one

[annejoseph]

I feel kind of proud that I chose this line of work to do. PCR can be time consuming but when you receive the correct AGE readings, sometimes you feel happy but sad at the same time because yes, you’re getting that result but no, this person has the virus. It’s emotionally draining

[lenaleewithallen]

so proud to be a singaporean - Singapore might be small but we are mighty ♥️ thank you for sharing this TED-Ed!