Since the beginning of the COVID-19, people have heard conflicting opinions about testing. The array of available testing options may make both the general public and professionals puzzled. Nevertheless, testing’s importance remains unaltered for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of the virus.
- When should I get tested?
- Which is the proper test for me?
Today, we will finally try to give a detailed answer to these concerns. Let’s take a look!
When should I get tested?
When an infected patient coughs, sneezes, or exhales, it will generate droplets that carry viruses in it. These droplets are the main route of infection for COVID-19 when people contact them. However, it is too heavy for the droplets to keep them in the air. They will fall on the floors or other surfaces in a short time.
Therefore, it is possible to be infected if you breathe in a virus environment or touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after touching the contaminated surface.
Then, when should I get tested? The one-billion-dollar question. It can be a tough decision as COVID-19 symptoms are similar to many other diseases. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the prevalent symptoms are:
- Fever or chills
- Cough and sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue and body aches
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Most people infected will experience mild to moderate symptoms. Even in the pre-symptomatic period, the disease can be spread. For this reason, it is recommended to stay home except to seek medical care and get tested. Mind that for some patients (usually elderly or with pre-existing medical conditions) such infection can be fatal.
The symptoms may appear in 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. In this regard, testing plays a crucial role for quick diagnosis to timely start treatment and isolation.
Which is the right COVID-19 test solution
First of all, there is no right and wrong test. The test can differ in sensitivity, specificity, and above all, usage. There are mainly two categories of tests: viral tests and antibody tests.
Viral tests detect ongoing infections, and they are further differentiated in molecular tests and antigen tests.
On the other hand, antibody tests tell if you had contracted the infection in the past. Unfortunately, this type of testing can’t be treated as a confirming method for diagnosis.
Molecular tests are collected and sent to the laboratory. Antibody and antigen tests can be rapidly carried out, even at home (depending on policies in different countries and regions).
Here’s what you should know about the different COVID-19 test solutions.
Among the different options, these diagnostic tests are the most accurate. A medical worker usually applies molecular tests. They have been used through the pandemic for diagnosis and monitoring the infection. Turnaround time may vary from hours to days.
The collecting process is simple. However, the analysis must be performed by professionals:
- Sample gathering through nasal or throat swab
- RNA extraction from the specimens
- Combination of the RT PCR reagent
- Start the RT-PCT process
- Interpret the result
Wondfo Molecular test
Wondfo has developed the new Crown Nucleic Acid RT-PCR kits compatible with all the mainstream PCR machines. In addition, they have met strict industry requirements by improving upon product validity period and storage. As a result, Wondfo molecular tests support 10-30℃ (low temperature not required) and have 12 months validity.
Simple to use solution that can target multiple genes (ORF 1ab and N gene of 2019-nCoV).
Antigen tests are the first solution for responsive screening and diagnosis of COVID-19. They are often referred to as “rapid tests” because of the short turnaround time. For this reason, they are flexibly used in different scenarios, such as extensive screening in airports.
Recently, antigen tests are available for home delivery. The test aims at detecting the proteins (antigens) on the virus surface. Similar to molecular testing, users should take samples from nose, throat or sputum.
Once taken the sample, users need to place it in the test tube and add liquid. Finally, the liquid solution needs to be added to the cartridge. The whole process is straightforward, and the result can be obtained within 20 minutes.
Wondfo Antigen test
Wondfo rapid antigen test has obtained CE certification It takes only 15-20 minutes to get the results.
To further support health care providers, their test kit does not require any equipment. Specimen’s processing is non-invasive and easy to perform. Antigen tests support 2-30 ℃ storage for 12 months validity.
The antibody test differs from the two options previously presented. The antibody test’s purpose is to look for antibodies in our immune system. For example, in response to Coronavirus infection, our body produces specific antibodies IgG and IgM. Therefore, positive results to testing mean that the virus was contracted at some point in the past.
Samples for antibody tests generally require the collection of blood from a finger stick.
As for the way to antibody test, currently, it is suggested to seek for health care professionals who will carry out the test, instead of testing at home:
- Collect the blood with a fingerstick
- Add the sample to the cartridge
- Within 20 minutes, check the result
Many aspects influence its accuracy. Such factors include the duration between exposure to virus and appearance of antibody and the types of antibodies being analyzed. Antibodies are produced within 1-3 weeks post-infection. If the infection is present, seek professional help to run further tests.
Wondfo antibody tests
Wondfo tests, an optimal choice for screening. Moreover, their test has served to identify potentially contagious individuals.
Antibodies tests support multiple sample types such as venous blood, serum, and plasma. As for other Wondfo products, storage does not require low temperature or additional equipment.
Conclusion
Testing today is more critical than ever. Through testing, Wondfo can effectively diagnose the virus. Testing remains the foundation to study vaccine immunity time frame and plan for revaccination.
At Wondfo, they have been committed to the integration of R&D, production, and sales of POCT solutions for over three decades. Helping billions worldwide motivates them to keep innovating.
To know more about COVID-19 test solutions, contact Wondfo!
1 comment
You must understand that even if you do not have any symptoms, you will need to be tested to travel without restrictions. Fortunately now there are many places where you can take the test quickly and for free, I used this testing for travel