Virusscreening

Virus screening, sometimes written as virusscreening, refers to processes designed to detect the presence of viruses to prevent transmission or disease. The term is used in two main domains: information technology and medicine/biology.

In information technology, virus screening is performed by antivirus software that scans files, emails, downloads, and active processes for malicious code. Detection methods include signature-based scanning of known malware, heuristic analysis to flag unknown threats, behavior-based monitoring, and, in newer products, machine learning. Scanning can be real-time or on-demand, and results trigger actions such as quarantine, repair, or deletion. Cloud-assisted engines and endpoint protection platforms are common. Limitations include rapid malware evolution, polymorphism, evasion techniques, and the possibility of false positives.

In medical and public health contexts, virus screening tests individuals or samples for viral infections, such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, or respiratory viruses. Common methods include nucleic acid testing (NAT) to detect viral genomes, antigen tests to detect viral proteins, and serology to identify antibodies or antigens. Window periods, test sensitivity, and specificity influence effectiveness. Applications include screening blood donations, prenatal or occupational screening, and population surveillance during outbreaks. Ethical considerations involve informed consent, privacy, and potential implications for employment or insurance; results guide clinical management and public health actions.

Quality assurance, regulatory oversight, and standardized operating procedures ensure reliability, data security, and traceability in virus screening programs across institutions and jurisdictions.