How Coronavirus Tests Work I NOVA I PBS
What goes on inside those test tubes to detect whether a person is positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19?
The pace of coronavirus testing in the United States has seen a meteoric rise in the past week. But the country still lags in tests relative to its population, despite having the world’s most reported coronavirus cases, the New York Times reports. Read more here: https://nyti.ms/2QNSklE
PRODUCTION CREDITS:
Digital Producer: Emily Zendt
Narrated by: Caitlin Saks
Research and Production:
Caitlin Saks
Ari Daniel
Robin Kazmier
Sukee Bennett
Additional Footage:
CDC
Medical Animation provided by Scientific Animations: https://www.scientificanimations.com/
© 2020 WGBH Educational Foundation
@mikearthur2586
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
Highly cancerous chemicals now sitting on your nasal brain separation layer. Nice.
@bigslinking
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
Idiots giving free samples for the bio-weapons data base program. After nine eleven, they realized that you can do anything you want to these people…
@danpower7314
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
auch
@escspirit5532
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
I took the test two days ago. It doesn't hurt, I would say it's stingy but it doesn't worth the stress. I overstressed it and couldn't think of anything else recently. You shouldn't be so nervous but it's totally normal. ❤️ (they pressed the swab in my nose for 5 cm.)
@fredkaminski6759
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
I am wondering why they taking the swab from nose if the virus can be spread by the saliva, when someone breathes, coughs, or sneezes?
@devlogan2030
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
I was tested 20 times each time I knew I was not infected
@fineweather4569
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
Bunch of muppets.
@boorat3573
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
I live in beautiful 🇨🇦Canada & got my Pfizer shot. Tests aren't like snorting mustard,It stings tho. The U.S.was stupid & let it get outta hand whereas we smart Canadians masked up immediately!
@eoppoe3551
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
I had one yesterday and it honestly wasn't that bad- my brother said it just but for me it didn't, accidentally getting water in your nose hurts more than covid tests hehe I fainted right after but still
@alyssaperez2074
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
Iloveyou Nova
@kl8132
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
God bless you all during that time of uncertainty and fear. The pressure must have been tremendous and you all persevered and came through the other side with testing now, a year later, reliable and our understanding of this virus clearer. THANK YOU!! for you diligence and passion for the job.
@lonewolf1263
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
What’s her tiktok@
@i.sachinpandey
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
Is that Gram staining that brings the glow?
@wotahlily
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
I cried maybe like for and half an hour or so then it hurts alot but i didn't cry i was so brave i even got a lol doll
@arienakhairin2737
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
im so scared im gonna smack the nurse's hand or move really fast😭😭😭
@andieschwartz8845
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
I’m terrified i’m getting it in like 10 mins
update: it hurt for like 6 secs then after for like 3 but it’s over faster then you think
@degenerategambler4830
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
Pretty sure i had the virus but my body just killed the symptoms after i watched this video. My whole system said f that lol
@radixreuel7631
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
60O -1000 PEOPLE
entering America EVERYDAY during an epidemic that’s (killing thousands of people and jobs) and non of them are getting tested for COVID & MEDIA’/SOCIAL MEDIA FLATLINES ON THIS BY NOT CALLING THIS A SUPER SPREAD EVENT 🍰🤫♻️
@Lootrunner_
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
Imm sooooo scared I’m getting mines tested in a couple of days. But does it hurt???😭😭😭
@truthteller9713
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
Did the pharmaceutical industries fund this video 😂
@lol-oe1md
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
Had this done 15 minutes ago. It wasn't bad at all, it just looks like it
@artisticbeing11
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
Me getting tested in a few days
Wtf did my parents sign me up for…
@snookumsjack
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
I've had 2 two tests done by an Egyptian Mummy Embamer. Just crammef the q-tips into my cavity and swishef around until my brains came out.
@zm3017
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
🏦💉
@kresimirselesi9955
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
They dont.
@alxve_lyrixs1316
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
I’m getting tested in a few hours and I’m kinda worried 💀…
Edit: I got tested it wasn’t bad at all.I recommend not being scared.And start a convo with the nurse 💀 y’know what I’m saying.
@AA-451
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 am
Awful why not blood instead
Comments are closed.