What test can be used to detect coronavirus infection?

Our currently available tests:

1. 1. PCR test:
   Detects the presence / absence of coronavirus genetic material-RNA in samples colected from the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract (nasopharynx, pharynx). The COVID-19 PCR test is a method used to diagnose people who are infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus at the time of collection. The test can also detect fragments of the virus, even if you are no longer infectious. PCR is the “gold standard” used to diagnose COVID-19 because it is the most accurate and the most reliable test.


2. 2. Antibody (serological, IgM / IgG) test:
   Detects an antibody produced by the immune system against the virus. The immune system first produces IgM antibodies at the time of virus infection, and then about 2-3 weeks later IgG antibodies. Therefore, it is also suitable for people with an asymptomatic course of the disease who have a suspicion of overcoming the infection.


3. 3. IgG / IgM Antibody Rapid Test:
   This type of test is only effective at a later stage of the acute disease, when IgM antibodies are present in the blood. The presence of IgG antibodies indicates that the patient has overcome infection in the past. The test does not recognize whether the patient is cured or is still a potential carrier of the virus and infectious. After a positive result, it is recommended to pass a more accurate and reliable PCR test. Finger capillary blood is used as a sample, which is an advantage for patients of different ages. The test result is known within 15 – 20 min.

When is it appropriate to perform a PCR test?

It is recommended that the PCR test is performed in the following cases:

• contact with the infection occurred between 6th – 15th day.
• you have had a positive test (or rapid test) for IgM / IgG antibodies.
• you have some of the symptoms: fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, muscle pain, loss of sense of smell or taste
• you need a result sheet for, e.g. traveling abroad.
• you consider yourself infected, e.g. because of suspicion of contact with a positive person, his bodily fluids, contaminated clothing or objects, provided that such contact occurred no more than 30 days ago.

Is the PCR test reliable?

If the sample is collected, prepared and processed correctly, the accuracy of the test is greater than 95%. The test is a reliable indicator of the presence of a virus and the infectivity of a person.

When is it appropriate to perform an antibody test?

Several percent of patients overcome the infection with mild symptoms or completely asymptomatically.
Therefore, we recommend the test to anyone who wants to know if he/she has already been infected, if he/she:

• had mild respiratory symptoms more than 2 weeks ago: rhinitis, sore throat, dry cough without fever and breathing difficulties, diarrhea, muscle pain, weakness
• came into contact with the infection and had no symptoms after 2 weeks

We also recommend this type of test for companies and institutions which want to assess what proportion of employees has already been infected.