The secret to rapidly increasing Covid-19 tests? The pool

Bulk testing of samples could be the way forward for coronavirus surveillance in New Zealand, reports Mirjam Guesgen. With the number of completed coronavirus tests in New Zealand breaking 4,000 in a day on Tuesday, scientists are looking at more efficient tests to push that number even higher. By testing samples from multiple people all … Read more

Siouxsie Wiles: What is different about the new, fast Covid-19 blood tests?

Some countries are now using a serology test, which uses blood or serum samples to look for antibodies we produce in response to the virus. Siouxsie Wiles explains its strengths and weaknesses. Read Toby Morris’s new Side Eye comic, created with Siouxsie Wiles, here. And more of Siouxsie’s writing here. The Spinoff’s Covid-19 coverage is made possible … Read more

Siouxsie Wiles: How testing for Covid-19 works

How the process runs, why we’re not testing everyone who feels ill, and something you can do online immediately and easily to help the fight against the virus. The Spinoff’s coverage of Covid-19 is funded by Spinoff Members. To support this work, join Spinoff Members here.  With confirmed cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand up to … Read more