COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RT PCR Test

• The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Detection by Real-Time PCR test is done to diagnose an active infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.
• The test is also done for people who have been in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19 or who have travelled to an area with a high prevalence of the virus.
• Additionally, the test may be required for individuals who are scheduled for a medical procedure or are planning to travel to another country.

Anyone who has come in close contact with a COVID-infected person or has shown early symptoms of COVID-19 can take the COVID RT-PCR test.

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Detection by Real-Time PCR test measures the presence of genetic material (RNA) from the SARS-CoV-2 virus in respiratory samples such as nasal or throat swabs.

If the results of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Detection by Real-Time PCR test are abnormal, it indicates that the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected in the respiratory sample. A positive result suggests that the person being tested is currently infected with the virus and may be contagious.

In such cases, healthcare providers will advise the person to isolate themselves to prevent further transmission of the virus and may recommend further testing, treatment, or monitoring depending on the severity of the infection.

During the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Detection by Real-Time PCR test, a healthcare provider will take a sample of respiratory secretions, usually from the nose or throat, using a swab. The procedure is generally quick and takes only a few minutes to complete.

The healthcare provider will ask the person to tilt their head back slightly and insert a long, thin swab into their nostril, where it will be rotated several times to collect a sample of secretions. The same procedure may be repeated with another swab in the other nostril or in the back of the throat.

The swab may cause some discomfort, such as a tickling or burning sensation in the nose or throat, but it should not be painful.

There are typically no special preparations required before the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Detection by Real-Time PCR test. However, healthcare providers may advise individuals to follow certain guidelines before the test, such as bringing a valid ID information to the testing site, if applicable and following any specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider or testing site, such as wearing a mask or practising social distancing.

• The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Detection by Real-Time PCR test is recommended for individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, and congestion.
• It is recommended to people who have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
• It may also be recommended for individuals who have recently travelled to an area with a high prevalence of COVID-19 or who have been in crowded public spaces.
• In addition, the test may be recommended for individuals who work in high-risk settings, such as healthcare facilities, long-term care facilities, or other congregate settings where the virus can spread quickly.
• Furthermore, the test may be required for individuals who are planning to travel internationally, attend large gatherings or events, or return to work or school after a COVID-19 infection.

If an individual is suspected of having COVID-19, additional tests or procedures may be ordered in addition to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Detection by Real-Time PCR test to help diagnose and manage the condition. Some of these tests may include:

• Chest X-ray or CT scan: These imaging tests may be used to evaluate the severity of lung involvement and monitor the progression of the disease.
• Complete blood count (CBC): This test can provide information about the number and type of blood cells present in the body, which may be affected by the virus.
• C-reactive protein (CRP) test: This blood test can help determine if there is inflammation in the body, which may be present with COVID-19.
• Antibody test: This blood test can detect if an individual has developed antibodies against the virus, indicating a previous infection.
• Other tests may be ordered to rule out other viral infections that can present with similar symptoms as COVID-19, such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

• COVID-19 RT-PCR test
• COVID-19 PCR test
• COVID-19 molecular test
• COVID test