COVID-19 PCR

Coronavirus or COVID is a family of viruses that appears like a common cold but is capable of causing MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

The deadly virus infects both animals and humans alike. It first broke in 2019 in a city called Wuhan located in China, and now it has spread to several countries of the world.

Types of COVID-19 tests

If you are experiencing any symptoms that relate to coronavirus, then you should get yourself tested. There are several different types of coronavirus tests that can be done to evaluate if you are infected or not. These tests are:

1. Swab test
2. Blood test
3. Sputum test
4. Tracheal aspirate
5. Nasal aspirate

When should I get a coronavirus test?

Your physician will prescribe you with a coronavirus test if you have symptoms like:

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Headache

In case you haven’t travelled to a place with a coronavirus outbreak or haven’t come in contact with an infected person then the above mentioned symptoms can also be from a common cold or flu.

Who should get tested for COVID-19?

Getting oneself tested might not be feasible and easy for all, but it is the least we can do to help stop the spread of this deadly disease. You should definitely get a COVID 19 PCR test under following situations:

• If you are symptomatic of coronavirus.
• If you have travelled to the areas of the outbreak of the virus.
• If you are about to travel to a new place.
• If you are a front line worker e.g. a doctor or a nurse who is looking after COVID patients.

How is the COVID-19 test conducted?

Coronavirus can be tested using following testing methods:

• Swab test: A special swab is used to collect a sample from your nose and throat.
• Blood test: For this method a blood sample drawn from your arm is needed.
• Sputum test: For a sputum test you are required to cough up in a cup provided by the laboratory or a swab is used to draw a sample from your nose.
• Tracheal aspirate: A bronchoscope is used for this test method to reach your lungs and collect a sample.
• Nasal aspirate: For this method a saline solution is sprayed or injected in your nose, after which a sample is collected with light suction.

Are there any risks associated with a coronavirus test?

While being tested you may get a gagging sensation when a swab is inserted into your throat and nose. The test can be discomforting but all of these effects are temporary and they go away shortly after the test is performed.

How can you interpret the results of a coronavirus test?

Results from a coronavirus can be easily interpreted because they usually come back as positive or negative.

What to do if the results come out positive?

If your results come out positive then you should immediately isolate yourself at home, because isolation is important to break the transmission chain. By isolation we mean you also need to isolate yourself from your family members.

To relieve your symptoms you should:

• Take plenty of fluids
• Rest as much as possible
• Take multivitamins and supplements
• Take over the counter medicines

And in case your body starts showing symptoms of pneumonia or you have difficulty in breathing then you should get yourself admitted to a health care facility so that you can be adequately taken care of.

What to do if the results come out negative?

In case you have a negative result on your test, but your body is still COVID symptomatic then there’s a possibility that you had a false negative result. So you should still isolate and monitor yourself as a COVID patient.

PCR test price in Pakistan

The price of COVID-19 PCR test in Pakistan is around Rs. 6,500. The price can vary depending on the lab you choose. However, on oladoc you can avail discounts on lab tests as well.