In this period of coronavirus, a simple cough may raise eyebrows – people may regard you with suspicion.
Why should you worry? This answer comes from your knowledge of what coronavirus symptoms are and its difference from allergies, the flu, or a cold. If it happens that the symptoms you have ties in with covid-19, you may begin to wonder if you need to be tested.
Getting to know your coronavirus status will do you and others living around you good. Do you think you’ve been exposed to this virus? Take a covid test in London.
In this post, we will clear the air about the covid-19 testing by answering 4 questions people usually ask about it.
Who should be tested for coronavirus?
Get tested if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
- Breathlessness
- A sore throat
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
According to the CDC, anyone who’s come close like 6 feet within coronavirus-infected persons for an extended period should take the test even if they’re asymptomatic.
Symptoms can take 2 to 14 days to show up, and certain persons may be asymptomatic or have less serious symptoms. This is why getting tested is essential as you may spread the virus unknowingly.
Where do I get a coronavirus testing?
The things to be done to get tested comes down to where you take the test. Some clinics may demand that patients get a doctor’s order and fix an appointment for coronavirus test. Should you be concerned that you have coronavirus, consult your doctor about booking a test.
Again, there are several emergency care centres and quick clinics open for coronavirus testing that may or may not demand an initial screening. At Blood London, we offer virtual screening for covid-19, and our doctors are available round-the-clock to offer useful advice on testing and where to get one.
Some clinics also offer free testing for coronavirus.
How different are the available covid-19 tests?
Before the differences, let’s look at the types:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing
- Antigen testing
- Antibody (serological) testing
While the mode of operation of these tests is different, the right one for you comes down to what test you can get, if it’s being used for diagnosing, and if you have plans to donate plasma post recuperation.
There will be different options for a covid-19 test at many different clinics; however, ensure the test you need is offered by your chosen testing site.
PCR test
This is the latest gold standard for diagnosing coronavirus. It shows if you are or are not infected presently, and the outcome is quite reliable; implying that the number of false positives and false negatives is quite small.
A false negatives result is one that says you’re negative but in reality has the virus, while a false positive result shows you’re infected, but in reality, you don’t have the virus. The sample needed for this test is a nasopharyngeal swab. It’s taken to a lab for analysis. The result can take a day or more to come out.
If your PCR test is positive, it means that you either presently have or have had coronavirus.
Should it be a negative PCR test, it means you don’t contract the virus when tested; however, this doesn’t exempt you from getting covid-19 later on.
Antigen test
This diagnostic test identifies whether you have the coronavirus presently. Although it is a quick test and needs fewer resources, the antigen test isn’t too sensitive. They have a higher rate of false negatives results than PCR test – your result may be negative, yet you’re infected.
The sample needed for this test is a throat or nasal swab. Analysis can be done immediately on-site, or in other cases performed in the lab. If the result of the antigen test is positive, it means you have coronavirus.
Should it be a negative antigen test, it means presently; you may not be infected. However, if you have persistent symptoms, a PCR test for confirmation will have to be done.
Experts also warn that while a positive antigen test shows infection truly, a negative result doesn’t imply you’re free from infection. Because of the high rate of false negatives with this test, a PCR test is required to confirm an antigen test that’s negative.
Antibody test
This test is performed to check if you have covid-19 presently. However, it should not be the only test done to screen for recent infection. Most of the time, antibody tests are carried out to know who among coronavirus patients that have recovered and can donate convalescent plasma for the treatment of very serious cases of the virus.
If the antibody test is positive, it could mean a current infection. However, antibodies don’t show up until 4 to 5 days after early symptoms appear. A positive antibody test does not also imply you had the infection some time ago.
It is possible to have a false-positive result with this test. This means you may not have had the virus yet test positive. If the result is negative, it means you haven’t had covid-19 in the past, but not all the time.
Please note that a negative antibody test doesn’t mean you are covid-19-free. Studies on how the antibodies produced by the immune system react to covid-19, how long they last and make those previously infected immune is still been carried out to understand better what’s happening.
Action plan when your test positive for coronavirus
Self-isolate for 14 days away from others if your covid-19 test turns out positive. If you’ve been exposed recently, quarantine yourself between the period of testing and having results. This is because it may take a week to get the result, so care must be taken for you not to spread the virus without knowing.
Pain relief, hydration, rest, and cough medication can treat mild symptoms at home. If symptoms get serious, seek emergency help.
Consult your doctor for more useful advice about symptoms or follow up care. Ask questions to clarify any concerns you have. Be free to talk about anything with us.
Should you have negative test results, don’t stop maintaining preventive measures like regular hand washing, social distancing, and the use of face masks.
