Why not detect and identify SARS-CoV2 using Electron microscopy?

[mktsgm]

TL;DR Summary

While the question of the reliability of the RT-PCR test in the detection of SARS-CoV2 is real, why not we use any type of Electron microscopy in detecting the novel coronavirus?

We know the RT-PCR test method currently employed to detect SARS-CoV2 viruses from the sample is not 100% foolproof in detection.

If the current electron microscopy can reach a resolution of up to 50pm, why not use this time-tested technology in the detection of this virus?

Are there any issues in doing so?

 

[BillTre]

Samples of blood samples might be fairly easy to do in large numbers, however...

Possible problems with using EM to screen patients:

• Electron Microscopy (EM) looks at only very small samples, it might miss a virus even though it is very near by.
• I'm not sure that Covid-19 is distinct enough from other corona viruses to be distinguished from them.
• EM often requires sophisticated sample prep (time and labor).
• EM requires special training.
• EM's are often big, heavy, expensive machines requiring special set-ups.

 

[atyy]

EM has been used to verify the results of the PCR test. An alternative method of verification is full sequencing.

https://www.the-scientist.com/news-...-and-whats-next-in-covid-19-diagnostics-67210
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41587-020-00002-2

This paper looks interesting too:
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31305-2/fulltext

 

[Fervent Freyja]

Other than it being very impractical and costly, it’s difficult to distinguish viral particles from normal cells: Caution in Identifying Coronaviruses by Electron Microscopy

 

[Pythagorean]

between running the machine, a technical sme to interpret the results, and a medical expert to interpret the sme's analysis, that sounds pretty expensive.