03-09-2020, 06:08 PM
rjmacs wrote:
Sending possible virus samples through the postal service sounds like a swell idea.
Since the tests are nucleic acid-sequence tests, such a kit would likely involve encasing a swab in a stabilizing solution that would kill infectivity while preserving the nucleic acid. The bare nucleic acid would not be infective because it would have no way to actually get into cells to grow.
Of course, the best DYI test would be one that would react instantly, and give a +/- result on the spot. That's harder.