VTM solution related to COVID-19 testing

 

Step 1: Break the shell and eliminate the "combat power"

Like other RNA viruses, the results of the new coronavirus are simply composed of a protein shell wrapped in single-stranded nucleic acid-RNA. We can simply think of the RNA of the virus as the "brain" that gives orders, and the protein is the "limbs" that execute orders. The new coronavirus infects the human body and reproduces and causes symptoms. This process is mainly completed by the biologically active protein structure outside the virus.

The inactivated virus preservation solution is mainly the virus modified by the nucleic acid extraction lysis solution; it is a powerful protein denaturant that can quickly dissolve the protein and cause the virus structure to be broken. When the clinical sample with the new coronavirus is mixed with the preservation solution, the virus in the sample is affected by the lysis solution, and the protein shell is quickly destroyed, and this damage is irreversible. At this time, the virus has lost its evil "minions" and no longer has the ability to infect people, thus ensuring the safety of contacts during sample transportation and processing.

Step 2: Inhibit enzyme activity and escort the "ID card"

After the shell is lysed, the RNA of the new coronavirus is free in the preservation solution. As a single-stranded macromolecule, the stability of RNA is not as immobile as double-stranded DNA. The RNase that exists everywhere in the natural environment is the culprit that causes RNA to hydrolyze and break. Therefore, it is generally considered that the viral RNA that has lost its outer shell protection is