Issue with testing - we are running out of the chemicals needed

[chomalungma]

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8165321/Critical-shortage-coronavirus-test-component-means-London-hospitals-run-DAYS.html

In order to extract the viral RNA, certain reagents are needed. In normal times, there would be plenty of this chemical. It's a key component in the test - which also requires other chemicals so the detection can take place.

Unfortunately, these aren't normal times - so hospital pathology labs are running low and are having to restrict tests to those people who they think have enough symptoms.

Many years ago, I was involved in a project when this kind of test was novel. Now it's commonplace - but it still needs certain reagents.

I hope we can get enough of this reagent - as many other countries will be after it. The same might well be true for the antibody tests - unless the manufacturers can develop a test that comes complete with all the reagents needed.

Thanks for letting us know.

It was raised at a US press briefing a while ago.

It's very simple to say we will do more tests. That's great - but tests need reagents and people to do it. Reagents need to be produced - and I am sure that the factories are making them as fast as they can.

It's interesting to see how everyone can be a key worker.

The person making the chemicals needed in the factory
The driver taking them to the hospital
The lab tech doing the tests