Prognosis
New Tests Could Turn Tide Against Coronavirus—If They Work
- Jury is still out on accuracy of cheaper home testing kits
- New diagnostics could show true extent of pandemic’s spread
Technicians assemble coronavirus testing kits in San Diego, California.
Photographer: Bing Guan/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Spain wanted some new rapid coronavirus tests so badly that it bought ones that didn’t work. So did the Czech Republic. The U.K. snapped up millions of them as well, even before scientists have established their accuracy.
Why the frenzy? Countries desperate to curb the pandemic need a clearer picture of the virus and its spread. They’re willing to make a big bet on new testing approaches that look more broadly for signs of infection than existing diagnostics. The stakes are enormous as economies around the globe grind to a halt and the death tally keeps climbing.