Firstly, the tests that are currently being used in diagnosis of infectious diseases is by no means a new testing method. Coronavirus itself, is not new, with the first human cases documented in the late 1960s. Thus, it is not a surprise to see the term coronavirus popping up on the back of various old disinfectants, claiming to be able to ‘kill’ it, along with other viruses.
However, the strain is new… with SARS-CoV-2 (previously known by the provisional name 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Now, this new virus strain causes COVID-19. As the name suggests, CO = corona, VI = virus & D = disease, and 19 as the year of designation by the World Health Organization (WHO). Unfortunately for our fellow humans in Wuhan, China, the original source of viral transmission to humans and WHEN the strain became pathogenic remains unclear. Virology is a huge topic that requires years and years of research but as a Chemist, I just know the basics (infection, reservoir, phylogenetics & taxonomy, and some structural biology), and so I’ll leave the explanation of the virus strain & disease that it causes to actual professionals.
However, the morphology of the coronavirus itself is fascinating. Below is a cross-sectional model of a coronavirus via By https://www.scientificanimations.com – https://www.scientificanimations.com/wiki-images/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86436446
As suggested by the single coil within, it is a single-stranded RNA. Furthermore, the lipid bilayer encircling it as a viral envelope is basically like the liposomes that we learn about in our A-Level Syllabus. If a large model was made, it would look like a soft toy that we might even use in ball sports. However, once the contents are attached to a host cell… we’ve already seen the results of that… sadly…
On the frontlines, the first thing that must be done is Testing. 
As always, my favorite source of infographics for Science is Compound Interest.
Now, as a Chemist, let’s break down the information in this wonderful infographic.
- From the swab, processing, etc, the virus RNA in the diagram shows exposed base pairs (RNA, so you know which bases they are ^_^)
- Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme, and serves to convert the RNA (single strand) to DNA (double strand). A good question now would be: “What holds the two strands together, and which bases pair up?”
- Replication of the virus DNA is done (safely in a controlled fashion). The primers will hold the virus DNA in specific places via the same forces as in 2. (and maybe other interactions too?)
- The fluorescent dye basically let’s the tester detect the presence of the virus.
Now, regarding the results… it’s just as obvious. If no viral RNA was present to begin with, there wouldn’t be a minimum level of fluorescence shown.
Moreover, the problems mentioned above are real. Supply, for starters, followed by the sheer amount of time it takes just to obtain the results. Furthermore, there is a possibility of false positives/negatives. Let’s say the tester used a contaminated sample. That would give rise to a false positive. And if the test was rushed, and too little time passed during step 3, there might be too low levels of the viral DNA, and hence, a false negative. The frontliners really have a lot to process. Not only are the numbers overwhelming, they cannot rush the testing too. So, please listen to your Minister of Health, and be thankful, yet have empathy for your frontliners. Stay at home. DON’T PUSH IT. Social distancing now, can save months (or even years) of pain. I pray that our frontliners, who can’t even afford to take leave now… will be rewarded accordingly after everything blows over… God bless them.
As for future tests, I’ve read about a few that are being developed in Japan (together with China). Don’t worry about a vaccine… this will take 12-18 months at least, and let the real experts deal with it. The SOP for developing a vaccine must be followed to prevent unnecessary loss of life. Not to mention that skipping steps is illegal. Then what about the issue of mass manufacture & distribution? Costs? Etc. Too many variables that are in the future. As a responsible member of society, the least we can do is just simply to stay at home. Our sacrifices now (it will be a short time compared to a lifespan) can greatly reduce the spread of COVID-19, and prevention is always better than a cure!
Disclaimer: I am not a virologist, nor am I a pathologist. When I was 13, I CHOSE to walk down the path to become an educator in Chemistry. I dodged the path of a doctor even though I was encouraged to walk down that path. It takes a special kind of mental & emotional strength to become one. Take this as a case in point. I reached out to one of my ex-students who happens to be on the front lines. Asked him to take care, etc, but what was his response? “It’s ok sir. I didn’t study so hard back when you taught me to falter now.” This touched me greatly, whilst at the same time breaking my heart and filling me with immense pride at our younger generation of Doctors. I am not ashamed to admit that I wouldn’t have had such a high level of empathy for my fellow humans. But what I CAN do is fact-check, and educate. And to those who created & spread ‘fake news’, shame on you.
Just my two cents. (not taxable)
Ravenslark
Maxim's Chemistry Musings 
