Summary: COVID-19 tests can detect whether you're infected with COVID-19, but might not be able to differentiate the delta variant specifically. To detect the delta variant, a specific type of COVID-19 test is required — genomic sequencing. Genomic sequencing decodes the coronavirus' complete set of genes and searches for new mutations. It also matches known variants. Labs at some state and local health departments have access to genomic sequencing. The World Health Organization has designated variants Eta, Iota, Kappa, and Lambda “variants of interest” and is tracking 13 additional variants that originated in the U.S., Brazil, the Philippines, Indonesia, Colombia, and other nations.Aug 5, 2021. What is the new Delta variant of Covid? The B.1.617.2 (delta) variant of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), has contributed to a surge in cases in India and has now been detected across the globe, including a notable increase in cases in the United Kingdom.Jul 21, 2021
