The covid-19 pandemic has left its mark in human history and as the days continue to go by, it’s essential to stay safe and be protected from the virus.

Amongst other ways of staying safe, getting tested for Covid-19 is important in the continuous fight against the virus that has claimed many lives across the globe.

Like many others, you must have wondered what Covid-19 testing entails, if it’s safe and most importantly if it’s a good decision. Here is all you need to know before getting a covid 19 test.

WHAT COVID-19 TESTING INVOLVES? 

COVID-19 tests are available with a specific aim to determine current infection or past infection. The standard COVID-19 test involves collecting nasal and throat swabs, and/or mucus coughed up, termed “sputum”.

What this implies is that your health caregiver carrying out your test will place a swab on a thin stick in the back of your throat and 2-3cm up into your nose for throat and nose swabs respectively. If you’re coughing up mucus, then they’ll simply get you to cough into a collecting container which is sent to a laboratory for testing.

DOES THE COVID-19 TEST HURT?

While this test shouldn’t be painful, it can be uncomfortable as it could feel weird having to tolerate a swab being put up your nose. The good news though is that this will only last a few seconds.

HOW SAFE IS COVID-19 TESTING? 

Research has proven that the risk for a severe complication requiring specialist-level care after SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swab testing is extremely low with little or no recorded case of a complication during the process. However, it’s of note that complications can occur hence the need to follow correct sampling techniques for which your health care practitioner has been adequately trained.

WHO CAN GET TESTED? 

It is recommended that anyone showing symptoms of Covid-19 gets tested regardless of vaccination status to get immediate help.

Testing is also strongly recommended for any that has had contact or been around someone infected with the virus.

TYPES

There are a couple of Covid-19 tests with varying levels of accuracy, they include

  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): This is the most accurate Covid-19 test; it’s typically sent to a lab to diagnose the disease and take from 2-4 days to get results.
  • Lateral flow tests (LFTs): These types of tests are used to rapidly diagnose Covid as they can indicate Covid-19 on the spot. While very efficient, this test is not as accurate as PCR tests.
  • Antibody tests: While this test type can’t diagnose active infection, they indicate if a person has immunity to Covid-19 which could be a sign of a recent infection.

WHERE TO GET TESTED?

There are tons of Covid-19 test centers across the country, so make sure to search for one close to you. For instance, you could search out your current location to find a testing center near you. With covid testing in Irvine as well as everywhere else in the country still ongoing, it’s extremely important you get tested, so you and everyone else stays safe.

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