Have you been wondering how Covid-19 is tested for and what this these tests mean? Below is a link to an article on The Conversation written by Dr Al Edwards at the University of Reading. Here he explains what tests are currently available and the development of new types of tests. In short, there are two main types of test, one that detects viral RNA which only works during infection and one that measures the antbody response of the patient which can detect infection long after the virus is cleared. One of his research groups goals is developing new, rapid tests to detect viruses and bacteria.
https://theconversation.com/covid-19-tests-how-they-work-and-whats-in-development-134479