What COVID-19 test should I take?
At Clinica Santa Cecilia we offer five types of Covid-19 tests. Here’s what you need to know.
There are different kinds of tests for Covid-19. Some offer information about your history of infection by detecting the presence of patient-generated antibodies. Others determine whether you have an active infection. We offer all these tests weekdays & weekends.
The RT-PCR test
Nasal Swab
This Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) is the “gold standard.” The RT-PCR test is a deep nasal swab whose results determine if you actively have the Covid virus. Test results are available:
– Next day (weekdays & weekends)
– Same day (weekdays & Saturday upon request at extra cost)
– In a few hours (rush option at extra cost- weekdays)
LAMP test
Nasal Swab
This Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) test is also a NAAT test. It is another form of genetic test – which detects the RNA of the virus – very similar to a PCR test. We have the test results within 2 hours after you take it.
COVID-19 serum antibody test
Blood Test
We also offer the serologic test for COVID-19-IPC-EN. This is a blood test that detects the presence of patient-generated antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. The test detects two types of antibody isotypes. These antibodies show both whether you currently have an active Covid infection and also whether you have had a Covid infection in the last few months. The drawback is it takes between 7- 14 days to develop the antibody response. We have the test results on the same day the blood is drawn.
COVID-19 antigen test
Nasal Swab
Unlike nucleic acid based tests such as RT-PCR, which detect the presence of genetic material, antigen tests detect proteins or glycans, such as the spike proteins found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We offer a test detecting the Covid-19 antigen indicating whether you have an active Covid infection. This is a nasal swab test and you have the results the same day.
Rapid Tests: Antibody and Antigen
Fingerprick (antibody) & Nasal swab (antigen)
We also offer the latest generation of the “rapid” tests. One detects the Covid-19 antigen. And the other detects the presence of patient-generated Covid-19 antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
These tests do not go to the lab so we don’t get a specific number, just a positive or negative test result.
We get the results in 15/20 minutes.
For kids: Antigen saliva test
Saliva swab
We offer a less invasive test for children by using a saliva sample to look for the Covid-19 antigen. These results are available in 15/20 minutes.