What we know about the possibilities of Covid-19 tests:
- PCR tests, which are performed by swabbing the pharynx and nasopharynx and results are available within 96 hours
- IgG/IgM antibody rapid tests, which are performed from blood and the results are within 15 min
- Antigen tests, which are performed by swabbing the nasopharynx and the results are within 15 min
PCR TEST
How does the PCR test work?
The test is based on the detection of the genetic material of the virus. The acronym RT-PCR stands for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. After swabbing the nasopharynx and pharynx, the material has to be processed in the laboratory, and therefore the whole process from sample collection to the result takes at least several hours. PCR diagnostics is currently the most reliable way to detect the virus.
How are the collections carried out?
Testing is very convenient, a swab from the nasopharynx and pharynx is used as a sample for testing. You will know the result within 96 hours.
Before examination for Covid-19 (throat and nasal swab), the following principles should be observed:
- Come fasting and without prior use of gargles, toothpaste or other disinfectants
- Do not smoke before the smear
- Before swabbing, completely empty your nose and cough
In case of thirst, drinking unrefrigerated plain water is allowed.
PCR tests are evaluated in a certified laboratory. A confirmation with the result will come in a message to your phone from the National Health Information Centre.
PRICE: 70€
ANTIGEN TEST
This type of test is based on the determination of a protein that is found in the envelope of the virus. They are sensitive at the time when the amount of virus in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat is highest, i.e. 3-5 days after the onset of symptoms. As with the PCR test, a sample is taken from the nasopharynx. A major advantage over PCR diagnostics is the speed of result determination, which is approximately within 15 minutes.
How are the collections carried out?
Testing is very convenient, a swab from the nasopharynx is used as a sample for testing. You will know the result within 15 minutes.
PRICE: 18€
ANTIBODY TEST
This type of test determines antibodies to the virus, which are produced by the body's immune system in a defensive response to the presence of the virus in the body. It takes time for the body's defences to kick in, so antibodies (first IgM, later IgG) can only be determined a few days after the first symptoms of the disease. A sample is taken from the patient's blood and the result is known within a few minutes.
How are the collections carried out?
Testing is very convenient, capillary blood from the finger is used as a sample for testing. You will know the result within 15 minutes.
PRICE: 18€
ELISA SARS-CoV-2 antibody test
There are several methods that are used to test for antibodies to the new coronavirus. One of them is the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) method, which is also used for testing in Slovak laboratories. The collected blood sample is sent to the laboratory where it is gradually mixed with antibodies, antigens and enzymes, together with a colour-changing molecule. If the sample is positive for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, this molecule will change colour. The colour change can be detected with the naked eye, or with an instrument called a spectrophotometer. ELISA is a very simple laboratory technology that has been well documented and used in medicine for many years. ELISA is a very reliable and sensitive method: it achieves a sensitivity (the ability to accurately determine a positive result) of 100% after 12 days from the onset of symptoms and a specificity (the ability to accurately determine a negative result) of up to 98%. Therefore, this test should definitely not be confused with the single-use antibody tests, which use blood from a finger prick and have lower sensitivity and reliability.
How are the collections carried out?
Testing is very convenient, as the sample for testing is taken as a venous blood sample most often from a peripheral vein in the elbow socket. You will know the result 96 hours later by SMS.
PRICE: 70€
After any type of testing, we will issue you a confirmation with the result.
You can make an appointment for testing by calling our reception:
+421 (0) 911 108 741
+421 (0) 2 52 444 022
Please observe the precautions and instructions of the staff when visiting our clinic. Thank you.
Your FRAIS Health and Beauty Institute
Ivana Bartosova
