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KA COVID-19 tests have recently attracted the attention of the coronavirus pandemic
Why testing for COVID-19 is so important
Effective testing is essential to slow the spread of the virus by identifying those with the virus and providing treatment or isolation. Testing is also critical to learn more about how the virus spreads and how prevalent it remains in the community.
Get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19)
There are different tests you can take to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19). Which test you need depends on why you are taking it.
Two main tests:
- PCR tests – mostly for people with symptoms, they are sent to a lab for testing.
- Rapid lateral blood flow tests – only for people who have no symptoms, they give a quick result using a device similar to a pregnancy test.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19
Get a PCR (diagnostic tests) test as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms, even if they are mild:
- heat
- new continuous cough
- loss or change of smell or taste
- Stay home until you get your test result – only leave the house to take the test.
Anyone can now have regular rapid lateral blood flow tests without any symptoms.
About one in three people with COVID-19 have no symptoms, but can still infect others. You should do a rapid test twice a week (every 3-4 days) to check if you have the virus. If people test positive and self-isolate, it will help stop the spread of the virus. Even if you are vaccinated, there is a chance of contracting COVID-19, so you should get tested regularly.
Other reasons to get tested : Confirming the previous test result
Do a PCR test as soon as possible if:
- you did a quick sidestream test and got a positive result, or your test sample could not be read (invalid result)
- you had a PCR test and your test sample could not be read
- If you have been in close contact with someone who tests positive
- If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you can have a PCR test regardless of whether you have symptoms.
Testing can tell you if you had COVID-19 at the time of the test.
If you test positive, you may be able to contact people who may have caught the virus from you. They can then self-isolate and not pass it on to others.
Travel abroad
If you are traveling abroad, you may need to take a test before traveling.
Additional Testing Information
If you have tested positive, you will not need to retest for 3 months after the date of the test or the onset of symptoms.
Child testing
Child testing is also important because modern COVID-19 vaccines are not available to children under 12 years of age. Children may not have fever or other signs of illness, but they can spread the virus. Your child’s healthcare provider may also be tested for other common illnesses, such as the flu or pharyngitis. Testing is the key to keeping you and your baby safe.
An antibody test is done with a blood sample. This test should NOT be used to diagnose COVID-19 infection. Positive antibodies indicate that you have likely been infected with COVID-19, but they are not told when. Do not consider yourself protected from the virus.
Who should get tested for COVID-19?
If you have been vaccinated, it is best to get tested three to five days after infection. If you are not fully vaccinated, quarantine immediately. If you are fully vaccinated, you should wait three to five days after being infected before getting tested. Available evidence suggests that testing tends to be less accurate within three days of exposure. Wear the mask in public areas. The incubation period for COVID-19 lasts up to 14 days.
If you have a virus, it takes time for it to accumulate on your system. Early testing can result in samples that do not contain enough genetic material from the virus to show a positive result. The COVID-19 test is limited to being only a snapshot in time. A negative PCR test for COVID-19 does not mean that the individual is free of infection, but that, at that particular time, the sample did not contain viral levels at a high enough concentration to be measured as positive.
If you are not fully vaccinated, isolate yourself at home while awaiting test results, even if you have no symptoms. If you have the virus, you can spread it even if you are not sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says you can end the quarantine after 10 days if you haven’t been tested and have no symptoms. If you were tested on or after 5 days of infection and the test came back negative, you can stop isolation after seven days. Watch out for fever, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19 while in quarantine. Those experiencing severe or life-threatening symptoms should seek emergency help immediately.
Visit the test site
In case you need to do a test to determine if you are infected with Covid-19, visit our site and our operators will provide you with all the necessary information in the shortest time.