Observing social distancing, wearing face masks, and handwashing became mandatory for people worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. Governments have already ordered strict compliance to health and safety protocols to curb the viral spread. As a traveler wanting to go abroad, you should also follow these preventive measures.
Testing negative in coronavirus tests is one of the requirements needed if you plan to go for a vacation in countries with low COVID-19 cases. At present, there are 400 approved testing methods used by nations as approved by world health-governing bodies. One should know the differences of each COVID testing to choose what is best and most preferable.
Learn more about the types of COVID-19 testing by reading this article!
Diagnostic Testing
Healthcare professionals use molecular testing and antigen testing to diagnose someone with COVID-19:
- Molecular testing
Molecular testing, also known as PCR or RNA tests, involves getting a mucus swab deep from your nose or back of your throat. The collected swab will undergo examination in a laboratory to understand the virus’ unique genetic material.
Among the testing methods available, molecular testing is the most accurate way of determining if someone is COVID-19 positive. Yet, the test results get back longer as evaluation happens inside the lab.
- Antigen testing
Rapid antigen test for travel is almost the same as molecular testing. Yet, the swab does not need specialized laboratory techniques. The results usually get back after 15 to 30 minutes of waiting. It is less expensive than a molecular test, but its result accuracy isn’t as precise as lab-based evaluation offers. For instance, you might test negative in antigen testing yet, in reality, is positive of COVID.
Antibody Testing
Antibody testing is a coronavirus detection method that traces COVID antibodies in the bloodstream, unlike the diagnostic testing that gets swab samples to examine if an individual is a COVID-19 positive.
A healthcare worker will take a blood sample from you that the laboratory will examine to know if your body developed antibodies against the virus. If the result detected antibody formation, such indicates that you got infected by COVID-19 in the past. The good news is that you gain some immunity from the virus. But, the existence of COVID antibodies does not mean that you have protection from possible reinfection, as stated by studies.
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