FROM A LAB TECH - there is no test to distinguish Delta

(email received from a friend, so I don't have a link)

"I wanted to give you a break down on COVID testing to clear things up about variants and how they are determined.

"First off, the PCR test currently in use, including the rapid COVID tests ONLY TELL YOU POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE. It can't tell you what variant you have. To be able to say what variant, you have to send the sample for genetic testing. Which means, they would have to either collect 2 samples or use the same sample to send for specific genetic testing, The PCR test cannot determine the genetic difference in any of the variants. The PCR test is specific for ONE PROTEIN COMMON TO ALL VARIANTS.

"The only way that the CDC or anyone else can see what variant is prevalent is like I said, send a second or the same POSITIVE ONLY sample to a lab that has the gene sequencing instrumentation.

"Right now, the only rapid test we have that can distinguish variants is the flu test. It can tell you if you have Flu A or Flu B. Not what variant, if any exist.

"On another note, viruses tend to become more contagious but, less harmful as the mutate. This is what has been seen in nature. It does not make sense biologically for an invasive organism to kill its host, which would end it's life cycle as well.

"I hope this helps people understand."

are there any other lab people out there that can verify and/or add to this?