His hope is that the test his lab developed can be another tool.
The new method, which splits the luciferase into three parts, is what makes the test unique.
When luciferase is broken into fragments, it does not glow.
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Once it becomes whole again, it emits light.
As for the third piece of luciferase, Stagljar explains that it is not fused to anything.
We basically incubate those three little molecular biological pieces with a prick of blood," Stagljar says.
In other words, it’s crucial that you have COVID-19 antibodies present to make the enzyme glow.
The more antibodies a person has, the brighter the luciferase will shine.
“And that’s really significantly different than most of the antibody assays out there.”
Antibody tests are just one tool in helping combat the pandemic.
“And it doesn’t mean that theyre going to be protected against variants.”
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