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PCR Testing
What is PCR Testing?
PCR, or Polymerase Chain Reaction, is a cornerstone
of modern biological medicine. The PCR process creates millions of replicas of a particular piece of DNA
in a sample, amplifying its ‘visibility’ and making it easier
to analyse in greater detail.
PCR has enabled huge advances in diagnostic medicine including our response
to the coronavirus.
How Does PCR Testing Detect COVID-19?
PCR testing is very effective for early diagnosis of COVID-19 in currently-infected people.
PCR tests determine whether an individual is currently infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19), and therefore contagious to others. This is extremely important towards preventing further transmission
of the virus. PCR detects the RNA (ribonucleic acid) of the coronavirus. This is different to a serology (antibody) test for COVID-19, which detects human antibodies.
Find out more about serology testing here.
PCR can only detect COVID-19 RNA if the individual is actively infected. Detection of viral RNA with PCR testing allows COVID-19 diagnosis early on – before the body has produced an antibody response or even before the individual shows symptoms.
How is a Unilabs PCR COVID-19 Test Taken?
A Unilabs PCR test for coronavirus requires a nasal and/or oral swab and even a saliva sample. Depending on your location, Unilabs offers home PCR testing kits or testing at your closest Unilabs clinic.
In addition to our established clinics, we also offer sample collection through our mobile labs, mobile collection teams, as well as our professional flying nurses that go to on-site locations.
Your test sample is taken to one of our medical laboratories for clinical testing by our skilled lab technicians. Your swab sample will be examined and analysed to determine whether or not the virus is present.
Questions & Answers
SEROLOGY TEST
What is a COVID-19 Serology (Antibody) Test?
A COVID-19 serology test detects human SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. This test determines whether a person has ever been infected with COVID-19, and therefore whether they may have a degree of potential immunity. Serology refers to the study of antibodies in human fluids, most frequently found in the blood. Antibodies are the proteins produced by the body to recognise and fight off infections, including bacteria and viruses.
Serology testing is a great way to determine which members of a population (such as a workforce) have previously had COVID-19 infection, and therefore might have some immunity to reinfection.
A serology test is different to a PCR test, which tests for current infections, you can read more about PCR testing here.
How is a COVID19 Serology Test Taken?
COVID-19 serology tests involve taking a blood sample to check for coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies.
Blood is extracted with a venous blood draw, i.e. usually blood taken from one of your veins. This blood sample
is then taken for testing and analysis by doctors in a medical lab.
The Unilabs Serology Testing Experience
At Unilabs, our dedicated and attentive staff make sure the whole process of receiving the test revolves around you.
We are experts at dealing with all aspects of serology testing, from managing anxiety around needles to clearly explaining the procedure.
We want to give you the most comfortable experience possible.
What happens during a Unilabs COVID-19 Serology test?
- Depending on your chosen location, you are either greeted by receptionists at one of our centres, or we go directly to your door
- We carefully collect your blood sample whilst ensuring you are relaxed, informed and comfortable
- Your sample is swiftly delivered – usually by courier - to the nearest testing laboratory
- Once at our lab, your blood sample will be processed and analysed by one of our experienced lab technicians
- After analysis, we relay the test results to you immediately via your preferred means of communication.
The Unilabs Serology Testing Experience
There are 3 possible outcomes you may receive from a COVID-19 serology test:
Here is what each outcome means:
Questions & Answers
For more information on serology testing please contact Unilabs today and we will be happy to assist you!
ANTIGEN TEST
What is a COVID-19 Antigen Test?
A COVID-19 antigen test detects coronavirus proteins in the mouth and throat. This test determines whether a patient is currently infected with COVID-19.
Antigen testing is a suitable ‘first line of defense’ test against COVID-19, particularly in individuals who have COVID symptoms, because it is a relatively simple procedure, and is quicker than other approaches – like PCR testing; it typically takes around 15 minutes for a result.
It is less accurate than PCR testing, however, as a high viral load is required for the antigen test to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19). Some people in the early or late stages of infection may therefore return a false result, although this is not common.
How is a COVID19 Serology Test Taken?
COVID-19 antigen tests typically involve a swab of the patient’s nose and throat (sample can also be saliva or blood). This sample is then analysed using the same underlying processes as a pregnancy test.
Results are typically available within 15 to 30 minutes of the sample being analysed, meaning a patient on site may have their results before they leave.
Antigen Testing at Unilabs
Unilabs and International Guidelines consider PCR to be the “Gold standard” for diagnosing current COVID-19 infections, due to its higher sensitivity and accuracy. PCR testing can also reliably detect COVID-19 in people who have no symptoms or signs, which is true in around 1/3 of infected people.
However we recognise there are specific situations when the speed and simplicity benefits of antigen testing make it an attractive option; for example, the mass-testing of schoolchildren and their families, or last-minute testing of travellers. Unilabs works with a wide variety of businesses and groups to deliver bespoke antigen testing programmes at scale.
Talk to us today about whether COVID-19 antigen testing is right for your circumstances!
What to expect from a Unilabs COVID-19 Antigen Test:
Here is what you will experience during a Unilabs COVID-19 antigen test:
- Depending on your chosen location, you are either greeted by receptionists at one of our centres, or we travel direct to your door
- We carefully swab the inside of your throat (tonsil area) and nose (nasal channel) whilst ensuring you are relaxed, informed and comfortable
- Your sample is typically then processed on site while you wait. If COVID-19 guidelines prohibit you from waiting at your testing location, we will take your contact information so you can still receive your results swiftly
- You receive your results within minutes of your test
Understanding Your COVID-19 Antigen Test Results
There are 3 possible outcomes you may receive from a COVID-19 antigen test:
Here is what each outcome means:
Questions & Answers
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