COVID-19 CRISIS: Molecular and Serological Testing with Dr. Eldad Hod

COVID-19 CRISIS: Molecular and Serological Testing with Dr. Eldad Hod

While doctors and nurses have been rightly hailed as heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic, there's another group working tirelessly behind the scenes. In this episode of 'Shrink Speak', Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman chats with Dr. Eldad Hod, the Medical Director of Columbia University Medical Center for Advanced Laboratory Medicine and Columbia’s COVID-19 Clinical Laboratory. Dr. Hod shares the intense and rapid process of developing and validating COVID-19 diagnostic tests.

Normally a task that spans months or even years, these tests were brought to life in mere days due to the unprecedented urgency. However, this speed comes with challenges, including the risk of false positives or negatives. Dr. Hod dives into the intricacies of serological testing, which helps identify those who have recovered from COVID-19 and could potentially donate convalescent plasma.

The conversation also touches on the complexities of current testing algorithms and the uncertainties surrounding asymptomatic carriers and virus shedding. Throughout their discussion, both doctors express immense gratitude for the relentless efforts of healthcare providers on the front lines. If you're curious about the behind-the-scenes heroes who are making rapid advancements in COVID-19 testing possible, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into their world. It's a testament to human dedication and ingenuity in the face of a global crisis.