There are many tests available on the market to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection or to determine if the patient has already been infected. See what their types are, how they differ and how effective they are.
Who is the free COVID-19 test for?
Referrals for free tests for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection are available for people who develop typical symptoms of the disease (e.g. loss of smell and taste, fever, shortness of breath) and who have undergone an epidemiological interview. The document authorizing the test is issued by sanitary and epidemiological services or doctors.
Others who are planning a trip abroad or a meeting in a larger group and want to avoid unnecessary risk can use paid services. It is worth remembering that many patients are infected with the coronavirus asymptomatically or with little symptoms. Therefore, it is worth taking a prophylactic test to assess whether you are infected or have had COVID-19 in the past. Fortunately, the tests can be performed quickly and comfortably without leaving your home, by ordering them at uPacjenta.pl.
Antigen test
Effective (at the level of 90%), immunological chromatography test. Detects the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 antigen in the collected material, which is a nasopharyngeal swab. The result is obtained in just 5-8 minutes after the sample is placed in the test device. The antigen test is a reliable diagnostic tool designed to detect early COVID-19 infection. You can order it for home delivery. Shipping is made within 24 hours. The appearance of two characteristic lines in the test window indicates a positive test result.
RT-PCR test
The RT-PCR genetic test is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is 99% effective. The material for research is taken with a special stick from the throat or nasopharynx in just a dozen seconds. It is intended for people who want to check whether they are suffering from the disease in an asymptomatic / mildly symptomatic manner or with typical symptoms of infection, such as shortness of breath, fever, loss of taste and smell. Before taking the material for tests, it is recommended to refrain from: eating meals for min. 3 hours, brushing your teeth and using nasal products and throat tablets. The examination can be ordered home with a specialist visit (the implementation time is about 2 business days).
Antibody tests
They are made by three methods: qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative. The first one only assesses the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. In the second and third, the concentration of antibodies is determined by class. In patients who have undergone COVID-19, IgG antibodies are found in the research material, while in those with ongoing infection, IgA and IgM antibodies are present. The research material used in the test is blood. The result is obtained on average after 2 working days. The test, together with the visit of the specialist who performs the examination, can be ordered to the home or to the collection point.
Rapid plate test
The rapid plate test, also referred to as a cassette test, identifies the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the IgM and IgG classes in both sick and past infections. The test gives 85% certainty, and the result is obtained in just a few minutes. Two technologies are used to perform the determination: immunochromatographic analysis and nanocolloidal gold. The total duration of the test is several minutes, and the result appears 10 to 15 minutes after placing the blood sample in the test window.
If there are antibodies in your body, colored lines appear in the cartridge window at the marked area. Each time the control strip is stained – if it does not appear on the test, it means that the test is invalid. We talk about a positive result when at least one additional line is visible: corresponding to IgM antibodies, the so-called young (which indicates ongoing infection) or characteristic of IgG antibodies, the so-called old (which confirms a previous infection). It may happen that the patient has both types of antibodies in the blood (then three lines will appear on the test).
The Rapid Plate Test can be ordered for home delivery. The average waiting time is 1 business day.