Covid-19 Testing: Every Details You Should Know

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August 12, 2022

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What is CoronaVirus

The Covid-19 disease is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This is a respiratory tract infection that affects your lower respiratory tract comprising windpipe and lungs or your upper respiratory tract comprising nose, throat, and sinuses. Covid-19 spreads through person-to-person with infections ranging from mild to deadly. The pandemic that started in 2019 is still going strong with no signs of slowing down. Covid tests are being used relentlessly across the globe to try to contain the virus. If you think you may have come in contact with an infected person or experience the symptoms mentioned below, look for a Covid test near me and get tested as soon as possible.Symptoms To Look Out ForSome of the main symptoms of Covid-19 include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Chills
• Body aches
• Sore throat
• Loss of smell or taste
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Lack of appetite
• Chest pain or pressure
• Bluish lips or face

If you have been infected by Covid-19, the symptoms will start appearing either within two days or up to 14 days. It differs from person to person.

When To Get Tested?

If you have come in contact with an infected person, you need to get a Covid test done as soon as possible. You also need to get the test done if you experience the symptoms mentioned above. The Covidtest result will help the doctor diagnose your situation and proceed with the treatment without any further delay. Covid-19 infections may either be mild or deadly, so it is crucial to get the Covid test done as early as possible and start medications as soon as possible in case of a positive result. Routine testing also helps identify asymptomatic individuals, thereby preventing potential outbreaks from occurring.

Different Types Of Tests & How They Work

The covid-19 test is carried out to determine whether you are currently infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The tests have been classified into two different categories, namely Viral tests and Antibody tests. While Viral tests look for the SARS-CoV-2 virus in your body, the Antibody tests look for signs of immunity to the Covid-19 virus caused by a previous infection.

Viral Covid Tests

1. PCR Test

This Covidtest looks for the genetic material of the Covid-19 virus using a technique known as Polymerase Chain Reaction or PCR. The test involves collecting a fluid sample from the back of your nose by inserting a long nasal swab into your nostril. A long swab may also be inserted into your throat to collect a fluid sample or you may be asked to spit into a tube for a saliva sample. The result of this Covid test may take a few minutes to a few days depending on whether the sample is processed onsite or sent to an outside lab for processing. PCR tests are extremely accurate when performed by qualified health care professionals.

2. Saliva Tests

Some people are not comfortable with the CR test which involves collecting fluid samples by inserting a long swab through their nostrils as well as their throat. In such cases, Saliva Covid Tests are performed. This involves spitting saliva into a tube that is sent for testing. This test is also more suitable for certain groups like kids who are not comfortable with the conventional swabbing Covidtests. In case the result is positive, you can access COVID-19 Consultation for kids to start the treatment immediately.

3. Rapid PCR Test

Compared to PCR tests, the Rapid PCR test is performed with minimal training with the help of table-top machines. This Covid test result is delivered within 90 minutes, making it extremely useful during the pandemic. A recent study has shown that the accuracy of Rapid PCR tests is similar to the accuracy level of traditional PCR tests. However, since each machine can process only up to 16 tests in twenty-four hours, using it for widespread screening of a wider population may turn out to be an expensive affair. You can get this test done by looking for a Covid test lab near me.

4. Pooled Testing

Pooled testing is another testing method that is being used to increase the testing capacity. The method was used previously by the Red Cross to test donated blood for HIV, Hepatitis, and Zika virus. This method involves pooling together a batch of samples and testing a single sample. If the test result is positive, the individual samples are tested to find the source of the positive result. The pooled testing method helps reduce the number of tests done depending on the proportion of the population that has been infected in the area.

5. Antigen Test

Unlike the other tests mentioned above, the antigen Covid test procedure looks for proteins present on the surface of the Covid-19 virus in the fluid sample collected through a nose or throat swab. This Covid test is faster and cheaper than the traditional PCR test. The result of the test is available within five minutes, making it possible to test more people in less time. However, the accuracy of the antigen test is considerably lower than the PCR test. You can also get this Covid test at home.

6. Antibody Tests

Unlike Viral tests that look for current infection, antibody tests are designed to look for previous exposure to the Covid-19 virus by detecting antibodies produced by B-cells. The presence of these antibodies in your blood is a clear indication that you have been exposed to the virus at some time. However, a negative antibody test does not always mean that you don't have Covid-19 because antibodies to the virus may take time to appear. However, antibody tests have helped public health organizations across the globe learn about how much of the population has been exposed to the virus and also help researchers learn how immunity to Covid-19 develops. If the result is positive, look for nearby COVID-19 Consultation for Adults to start your treatment.

How To Prepare For A Covid Test?

If you think you may have contracted Covid-19, call your local health department or doctors office and ask about testing. Remember to wear a face mask to and from the testing centre and also use plenty of hand sanitiser. Once the test is done, return home and keep yourself quarantined till you get the Covid test report. In case you test positive, you can turn to COVID-19 Online Consultations to get your treatment started as soon as possible. If your infection is mild, you will not need to be hospitalized and will probably recover within a week or so.

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