Different Methods For Detecting Covid-19

by Olivia Clare Writter, Blogger

Scientists and medical practitioners worldwide are still studying the novel coronavirus. With the passage of time, a lot of methods have been introduced just to detect the Covid-19 virus The underlying purpose is the same, i.e., detecting the virus in the human body, but the methods are different. Let the experts of the most highly rated Covid-19 test clinic in the UK, explain 3 major methods of testing the coronavirus.

1. Molecular or the RT-PCR test:

The molecular test, better known as the RT-PCR test, is one of the popular methods of testing for Covid-19where the presence of the virus is directly detected through an upper respiratory sample. The sample is collected from nasal and oral swab. In this test, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method is used to amplify the genetic sample of the virus or the RNA into DNA. It is repeated until the presence of the Coronavirus or SARS-Cov-2, if present, is detected. RT-PCR test is also known as NAAT or the nucleic acid amplification test: A nasal or throat swab is collected by the medical experts.

After an RT-PCR test, the result can come on the same day or in 2-3 days in some cases.

An RT-PCR test is one of the accurate corona-virus testing methods. By this test, the active cases of coronavirus infection can be detected easily.

2. Covid-19 Antigen test:

An antigen test, also known as the Rapid Antigen Test, detects the viral proteins or antigens expressed by the coronavirus in the sample.

Antigen test report comes faster than a molecular test for covid-19. Antigen test is referred to as a rapid test since the result comes within one hour or less.

For an antigen test, generally a nasal or throat swab is collected by the medical experts.

Rapid antigen tests are often accurate if the result comes positive after the test. But, if the result comes negative, and symptoms still persist, the patient should again go for a molecular test to be on the safe side and be 100% sure as a rapid antigen test can sometimes miss an active covid-19 infection.

3. Covid-19 antibody test:

An antibody test is often referred to as a serological test or a screening test to detect covid-19 antibodies.

A covid-19 antibody test does not search for an active infection of covid-19 in someone’s body. Rather, it just investigates whether someone’s immune system has responded to the virus or not.

Blood is the main sample considered for this test.

The test result can come either on the same day or after 2-3 days.

For greater accuracy, doctors suggest going for an antibody test again

What to do if you are negative after testing for covid-19?

Initially, if your test report comes negative that means you did not have the infection when you went for the test. But, if you still get symptoms for Covid-19 even after the negative test report, it means that it was too early to test for the virus. Generally, the virus takes 3-4 days to develop inside a body. In such cases, you need to consult your doctor for advice and further RT-PCR test.