Here are two methods used to test for novel coronavirus

India, April 1 -- India currently uses the molecular assays method of testing

There are two methods of testing available to find out if a person is infected with the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) or not. These two methods are: Molecular assays and immunoassays.

India currently uses the molecular assays method of testing.

Molecular assays can either be manual or automated. In this method, an oral swab sample is taken. Viral Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) material is isolated from the swab using several chemicals, since the novel coronavirus is an RNA virus.

The amount taken, however, is little, making it impossible to find the pathogen directly from such a sample.

A technique called the polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR) is used to incr...