Since the breakdown of the pandemic, we all worry about covid testing. Do people have many questions about what covid test they should get? And how? All these questions and curiosity can be explained because covid-19 is a new virus, and no one knows it all.
People search on the internet and ask friends and family about covid vaccines, testing, symptoms etc., they hear different and conflicting information. The need of the hour is an authentic source of covid test information online. An authentic website that can provide truth-based information about the virus is very important. It can save society from believing in myths and acting upon them. It can also help combat the virus as a society.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has put in many efforts to make sure people don’t act upon the myths about viruses. They have a working website that provides authentic, latest and reliable research-based information about covid. If you have any general questions about the covid-19, you can also look them up on the WHO website. While for more details about the types of Ovid testing, you can read below:
What is the Right Covid Test?
The right type of covid test for you depends on why you need it. Whether you want the test to travel on an urgent basis, or you need to make sure you don’t have the virus. Some people get the test after they have been in contact with someone who later tests positive. When you can wait for some days until you get your results and be in isolation, you can get the test that is cheaper but gives results a little later.
If you need to travel urgently and you need urgent results, you can get the test that gives early results.
Here are the types of test that are available for covid conformation:
Molecular Test (RNA or PCR) :
The molecular tests detect the virus by identifying the genetic material of the viral strain (RNA). They are done using nasal or throat swab or saliva tests.
The PCR version of the molecular test gives accurate results and is performed in certified labs only. They also require skilled workers who can carry out the testing practice. These tests can take several days to give results, so if you can wait for the results and it’s not very urgent, you can get PCR. They are accurate, so no matter how long it takes, you will get the results right.
Antigen Test:
If you need urgent results, you can get antigen testing. This type of test gives rapid results and works by detecting protein on the surface of the virus that is present in the blood. These tests are popular because they are inexpensive and rapid as well as accurate. Mostly they give correct results, and people prefer to get this test greatly if they have the virus. Once to check if they have the virus or not, once after recovering from the disease and once two weeks after recovery, to make sure that they do not have the virus anymore.
This testing process eliminates the risk of spreading the virus to some extent, but the person with the virus must be strictly isolated. The method of this test is a nasal swab or throat swab. Most people and health care workers prefer nasal swabs over throat swabs.
The specimen then goes to the laboratory for testing. You can obtain the results within 15-30 minutes.
The patients who have any symptoms go for antigen testing to confirm. The results are mostly accurate, but people can get a molecular test to confirm if there is any doubt.
Antibody Tests:
However, the antibody tests, which are also called serology tests, detect the immune cells that our bodies generate after contracting the virus. If the person has the virus or has it in the future, their body will make some antibodies against the virus. This is the body’s protective mechanism against diseases.
The antibody test detects those antibodies in the body. The test cannot confirm whether the person has the virus currently or not. The presence of antibodies can only mean that the person contracted the virus at some point in the past—about 95% of the people who get the virus develop antibodies against it.
The method to perform this test is by taking the blood sample. The test can generate results around 24-68 hours, and the results of the antibody test are not the most accurate.
Some counties and airlines accept antibody tests for travelling while others do not. If you need accurate and fast results, you should get PCR or antigen tests instead of antibodies.
The Future of Testing:
With the advancement in science and technology, we are developing new testing techniques for the novel coronavirus. We can now be able to measure the infectiousness of the virus, and we will also have new testing techniques that are more reliable and efficient.
Pooled testing is one form of innovative testing which uses super sensitive PCR, and more than one specimen can be collected and tested at once by this method. This allows fast and reliable results.
Conclusion:
The virus is now curbed in many parts of the world with the development of vaccines, but it is still very important to stay safe. Use precautionary measures and continue social distancing. Get yourself tested if you see any symptoms, and you can get covid test information online.
