Covid-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus which causes several disturbing symptoms that can range from a common cold to more serious conditions.
Its arrival took us by surprise becoming a global epidemic in which we are all vulnerable. The new variants have risen, raising the wave of infections, so due biosecurity measures should not be neglected.
As the chances of contracting the virus are great, it is of the utmost importance that you do the relevant tests to rule out any contagion. In health institutions you can access all the Covid-19 tests.
What is a diagnostic test for Covid
Covid tests are carried out in order to diagnose the presence of the Covid-19 virus in your body. With it you will check if you are infected or not.
There are different types of tests that vary depending on your system.
Tests can be quick, providing results in minutes, or take a few days. Samples are taken that can be tested for infection in the individual. They can be rapid oral or nasal fluid antigen test and PCR.
According to the results of the examination, the treatment that corresponds to the patient is prescribed.
Types of Covid-19 tests
Currently the tests used for the detection of Covid are the following:
PCR
This test is used to identify the active virus in the person’s body. Samples are taken and studied in the laboratory. The results take days.
If it is positive, the test will tell you that the virus is present and you are infected. On the other hand, this test cannot tell you if you had the virus before.
Rapid Covid-19 antigen test
The rapid antigen test is carried out within a few minutes after the sample is taken and indicates an active virus infection. Nor is it capable of indicating whether the disease has been overcome. Something that it has in its favor is the speed and ease of execution that it possesses.
Antigen test for self diagnosis
Apart from the SARS-CoV2 rapid antigen tests only intended for professional use, there are also those for the general public, these can be purchased at pharmacies (only authorized sites): Covid-19 BOSON, Covid-19 NEWGENE, Covid -19 WESAIL, Covid-19 GOLDSIDE and Covid-19 FLOW FLEX.
These can be done with salt samples or they can be Covid-19 saliva tests
Antibody test
Serological calls also detect the patient’s immune response to the virus, which allows you to know if you had it or not. Positive results in these tests indicate suspected cases of Covid that you must confirm in a health entity.
In what cases are Covid tests done?
Although it is true that you can take a Covid test whenever you want, the most common factors that indicate that it is necessary to do them are the following:
- You have the symptoms of Covid.
- You were close to someone who was diagnosed with the disease.
- You have been in activities where you were exposed (crowds).
- You work in a medical institution where you deal with Covid patients.
- You need to travel.
Covid tests have been one of the main allies in the fight to combat the disease. Every day we are innovating to make them as accessible and reliable as possible.
