Unit:
Specialty Science, Technology, Society-Science and Technology StudiesLibrary of the School of Science
Supervisors info:
Θεόδωρος Αραμπατζής, Καθηγητής, ΙΦΕ, ΕΚΠΑ
Ειρήνη Σκαλιώρα, Καθηγήτρια, ΙΦΕ, ΕΚΠΑ
Κατερίνα Βλαντώνη, Συμβασιούχος Διδάσκουσα, ΙΦΕ, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Screening and testing during the COVID-19 pandemic: An STS perspective
Translated title:
Screening and testing during the COVID-19 pandemic: An STS perspective
Summary:
This thesis puts forward an STS approach to testing and screening during the Covid-19 pandemic. Initially, this text provides an introduction to the subject and examines the current situation regarding testing policies worldwide. What follows is a bibliographic review of testing and screening, as well as an analysis and demarcation of the differences between the two terms. The main testing and screening techniques utilized during the pandemic are subsequently dissected.
The main part of the thesis comprises an STS analysis based on technical texts relating to testing and screening methods. Each method is studied separately, while, in some cases, specific commercially available devices are being examined. This analysis aims to show that the testing and screening methods employed during the pandemic are not politically neutral.
In the conclusion, it is suggested that approaching this issue from an STS perspective is necessary for two reasons. Firstly, each testing or screening method –as well as the policies that are associated with them– seem to have an important social impact that needs to be scrutinized. Furthermore, such an approach seemingly leads to a better understanding and optimization of the methods in question.
Main subject category:
Science
Keywords:
Covid-19, Testing, Screening, RT-PCR, Antigen test, Antibody test
