Since the start of the pandemic, a lot of testing methods have already been developed to diagnose COVID-19 – from viral tests to serology tests. These tests are necessary in order to properly diagnose a person. If he has COVID-19 or not and to provide the right treatment needed to cure the illness.
COVID-19 testing is already common these days. In fact, you could even get yourself tested in your home with a test kit. With so many advances in testing and treatment. This illness can now be handled more efficiently nowadays unlike before when it was still new to us.
To broaden your knowledge about COVID-19, here are the different testing methods being used and how they work.
Viral Tests
There are two types of testing for COVID-19 – viral tests and serology tests. In a viral test, samples are taken from the nose and the mouth, Look for the presence of the virus in those samples. A positive test result from viral tests means that you are currently infected with COVID-19. You should receive proper treatment and isolation protocols. There are different types of viral tests.
- Rapid Test – A rapid test produces faster results and is usually done by health practitioners in point-of-care centers. A rapid test kit is used for this testing method and usually produces results in about 30 minutes. Due to safety measures, some people can opt to have a self-test instead.
All they need is a rapid test kit, follow the instructions on how to obtain the sample, do the test, and interpret the results. It is relatively easy to do with the guide on the kit. If you need a rapid antigen test Melbourne has some testing centers and suppliers of self-test kits as well, depending on which one you prefer.
- Laboratory Test – Laboratory tests for COVID-19 take a few days to complete but also produces really accurate results.
Antibody Test
Another type of COVID-19 test is the antibody or serology test. This test aims to detect COVID-19 antibodies in the blood. These antibodies are only formed after infection which means that you already had a past COVID-19 infection once. These antibodies are detected in your blood. This test is not used to determine if a person is currently infected by COVID-19.
However, since it detects antibodies. This test helps medical practitioners to study how the virus works and how the body reacts to it. Usually, when you already got vaccinated. You’ll get positive in this test since your body is already making the antibodies to fight COVID-19 in case it infects you in the future. Antibody testing is not really that useful in detecting current infection or if you need to get quarantined after an exposure.
With several types of testing methods for COVID-19, it is a lot easier now to diagnose this illness and help people to follow the right treatment they need. If you suspect that you might have the virus or you just need to be sure that you are COVID-19 free, consult a medical professional to know which test is best suited for you.
