The COVID-19 pandemic has seen unparalleled scientific strides. The research efforts focused on SARS-CoV-2 within the first months of its emergence resulted in rapidly changing understanding of this pandemic-sparking pathogen. Scientific processes were accelerated, and preliminary findings were widely circulated to speed things along.
As is the way of scientific research, some preliminary findings were confirmed, some refined, and others set aside. This time, however, there was a wider audience as the general public—stuck at home and worried about their families—latched onto each morsel of news about the virus. Unfortunately, this has led to some confusion about the virus, how it is transmitted, and the role of testing.
Members of the AACC community are viewed as scientists and experts by other healthcare professionals. During the pandemic, this advisory role has expanded as an increased public awareness of the importance of laboratory testing has led to more frequent, informal conversations with friends, families and neighbors seeking accurate information about SARS-CoV-2.
One of the best ways to support our labs and communities is to know the facts on the virus. On Monday, December 14 at 11:00 am Central, the session: “SARS-CoV-2 Virology, Kinetics, Diagnostics and Containment” presents the data behind current scientific consensus on COVID-19.
Giuseppe Lippi, MD, and John Hackett, PhD, offer insight into the mechanisms of infection, viral kinetics, and human-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Additional details on the characteristics of COVID-19 disease progression, including viral incubation, respiratory involvement, inflammatory responses, thrombotic response, and death (or remission) also are addressed. Importantly, as we await vaccines, the magnitude and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 immune response is also a focus of this session.
Finally, Lippi and Hackett review the diagnostic efficacy and appropriate applications of accurate molecular, antigen, and antibody diagnostics.
This session is targeted to lab medicine and other healthcare professionals at all levels. Attendees will be empowered with the facts on how SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted, the kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 virulence, and serological immune responses.