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How do you know if you have a virus? - Cella Wright

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9,987 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

A new virus emerges and spreads like wildfire. In order to contain it, researchers must first collect data about who’s been infected. Two main viral testing techniques are critical: one tells you if you have the virus and the other shows if you’ve already had it. So, how exactly do these tests work? Cella Wright explores the science of PCR tests and immunoassays.

Why do scientists even need to use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing?

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Meet The Creators

  • Educator Cella Wright
  • Director Luísa Holanda
  • Narrator Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Storyboard Artist Luísa Holanda
  • Art Director Luísa Holanda
  • Compositor Gabriel Maia
  • Animator Maurício Canterle, Murilo Jardim, Felipe Urbanetto
  • Music Gabriel Maia
  • Sound Designer Gabriel Maia
  • Hype Producer Taíla Soliman
  • Hype Executive Producer Gabriel Garcia
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Associate Editorial Producer Cella Wright
  • Fact-Checker Joseph Isaac
  • Science Consultant Dr. Jim Huggett, Dr. Daniel Stadlbauer
  • Special Thanks Alejandra Guzman, The Genetics Society , Laurence Hurst

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