HOW ACCESSIBLE IS COVID-19 TESTING IN THE UK?
What is COVID-19 testing?
The COVID-19 testing can be in several forms and have several types like the Antibody test and the Viral test under which we have the PCR test. This process detects if you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, using numerous samples from respiratory organs, like the mouth or nose. Some tests do not recognize a current infection but rather detect past diseases.
Types of COVID-19 testing
Antibody test (serology test):
This test indicates if you previously were infected with the virus. This test detects antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in your bloodstream. This test also provides facts or information required on how the humane immune system defends and fights the virus.
Viral test:
This test detects if one has the SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes the COVID-19. The test comes in two forms which can either be the Rapid test or the Laboratory test.
Rapid test:
An example of this test is the Antigen test. Here are a few things related to rapid tests;
1. Results may not be trusted.
2. Results come back in 15-30 minutes.
3. Samples are always nasal swabs.
4. You may need a follow-up test.
Laboratory test:
This test is very much reliable and accurate. Examples of this kind of test are the RT-PCR and other types of NAATs. Also;
1. Samples are taken from either the nasal area or the saliva.
2. Results come back in 1-3 days.
3. You do not need a follow-up test.
PCR Test
The PCR means Polymerase chain reaction. The PCR test remains the most reliable and accurate testing method that detects genetic material from organisms. The PCR technology amplifies the tiny amount of RNA from specimens into DNA, and it keeps replicating until SARS-CoV-2 is detected if there is any. The UK government has made this testing accessible as the PCR home test kit is now available for all citizens.
PCR home testing
PCR home tests are mainly for people with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). The PCR home test is a test that can be done from the comfort of your home using the PCR home test kit in which the swab is sent to a lab to get the results. The PCR test kit contains a swab, a vial containing a small amount of liquid (this must remain in the tube), a clear zip-lock with an absorbent pad, a bag with a QR code, three stickers, and a box.
However, asides from the PCR home test, you can also book a private test for coronavirus in the UK and equally get tested in various places in the UK including;
•Birmingham testing centre
•Medical Laboratory Penrith, UK
•Medical Laboratory Whitehaven, UK, and many others.
Problems that may occur in testing and solutions
Significant challenges exist due to how tests are applied and how the test results are interpreted and used. Numerous problems are encountered during testing, which sometimes is inevitable and unpredictable. Sometimes they go unnoticed and invalidate the results these issues include;
•Collection of Samples:
Unintended variations in the collection process, like “air swabs,” would cause a lack of sample (nucleic acid materials), which in turn gives errors in test results (false negatives).
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