The quest for a better COVID-19 test

In the world of diagnostic tests for COVID-19, there are two main approaches: PCR tests, which detect the presence of the live virus; and serology tests, which detect antibodies that indicate whether someone has recovered from the disease.

But could there be a third way? Two companies based in the Seattle region, Microsoft and Adaptive Biotechnologies, are working together to try to create a better diagnostic test. Joining us to explain the initiative are Peter Lee, Microsoft corporate vice president of AI and Research, and Adaptive CEO Chad Robins. 

At a basic level, Microsoft and Adaptive are looking for the unique signature associated with COVID-19 in the specialized cells that determine the human immune system's response to the disease. Once that signature is identified, they say, it could lead to a new test that would detect the tell-tale signs of the disease in others, providing a new form of diagnosis.

The companies last week launched a virtual clinical study, seeking 1,000 people across the country who have been diagnosed with, exposed to, or recovered from COVID-19. The study is called “ImmuneRACE,” for Immune Response Action to COVID-19 Events. It focuses on 20 major metro regions in the US.. As of earlier this week, the study had more than 100 participants out of the 1,000 it’s seeking.

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