Question

In addition to the clinical sample being tested, researchers would also run the assays on three additional samples: uninfected human cells (human control), RNA provided by the CDC that matched parts of the SARS-CoV-2 genome (virus control) and “samples” containing just water. Why were those controls included (what would they show the researchers, and how would the results of the controls affect the interpretation of the outcome?). Was each considered a positive or a negative control?

Answer 1

The use of control is to study one factor at a time , it is used to interpret the results by comparing with the test samples. It is used to minimize the changes in all other variables except the one being tested.

For example : a control is kept to compare the colour change in biochemical tests, it helps to conclude that whether the expected colour change happened after specific period of incubation.

Positive control:

   It is used to detect or show that the result of the test should be in the specific form. Positive controls are kept in the test kits to analyse the result. It is like the experiment with the known result, used to compare the results of the test or experiment going on. In other words it shows that the test results should be in the specific form.

Negative control:

      It does not show any change during experiment and it won’t be treated. It show the way in which the results should not be .It is used to compare the test group. It is provided with tests kits to predict whether the samples show positive or negative results.

If any change occurs alike positive control it is considered positive result and if there is no change it is taken as negative.

Thus controls are kept to compare the result.

In the question given above

positive control -RNA provided by the CDC that matched parts of the SARS-CoV-2 genome (virus control)

Negative control - uninfected human cells

control - water

If the result is positive for SARS-COV- genome it shows result alike positive control

If the result is negative it shows no result.

I love’d to hear your feedback and Rating. If you like the answer please give me a positive rating, which will boost me more. Thank you.