Genomic sequencing a vital tool in the fight against COVID-19, but what is it exactly?

Genomic sequencing has been lauded as a crucial tool in the fight against coronavirus, particularly during Victoria's second wave. But what exactly is it and how does it work?

Medicine doctor touching electronic medical record on tablet. DNA.and network concept. Source: Getty Images

Highlights

• Genomic sequencing involves taking a coronavirus sample from an infected patient and comparing it to others.
• By comparing test results, scientists are able to do the detective work of linking individual cases to known outbreaks and grouping together clusters of patients.
• Genomic sequencing can assist in the work of contact tracers, in cases where the source of infection is unclear.