Researchers from the United States have shown that the testing of a test for a coronavirus infection by the method of polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription (from-PCR) is almost twice as more efficient than at night. The article of scientists in which they allocate the best time for the day for sensitive PCR test, published in Journal of Biological Rhythms.
Specialists from Vanderbilt University analyzed data on more than 86 thousand PCR tests conducted in the south-east of the United States from March to August 2020. It turned out that the likelihood of a positive result in people who passed PCR testing on COVID-19 in the middle of the day – at 14:00 – 1.7 times higher compared to night. The results of the study confirmed the hypothesis of scientists, according to which the activity of coronavirus in the body depends on the circadian rhythm of the latter.
In the course of the work, scientists revealed that the virusing is the release of viral particles in infected cells in blood and mucus – also more intensively during the day. However, the researchers celebrate, it reaches its peak in the evening. In addition, experts found that viral load – the number of particles of the virus in the body – decreases after 20:00. In people who passed the PCR test after this mark, above the number of false negative results, scientists note. At the same time, further research is needed to confirm the daily rhythm SARS-COV-2, specialists are emphasized.