How Do Coronavirus Tests Work?

The novel coronavirus has various tests associated with it, each one having its own characteristic nature, performed with different aims. The tests done to detect the presence of the virus in the body are called as ‘Diagnostic tests’; done for the detection and diagnosis of the virus. On the other hand, ‘Anti-body tests’ are carried out to detect the antibodies in the body; presence of which shows that the person had coronavirus in the past.

Both the tests are related to COVID-19 however the purpose of both the tests vary. The working of these tests are require immense precision as it affects the detection and the accuracy of the test result. Pathkind Labs offer both diagnostic as well as antibody test.

Our body’s immune system gets triggered and produces antibodies to ward off any foreign virus that enters the body. The tests done to determine presence of these antibodies in the person is called the ‘Antibody test’.

Antibodies are produced when your body is fully recovered from the coronavirus and detects the evidence of past infections.

Working: The doctor takes a sample of your blood either by a finger prick or from any vein to run an effective anti-body test. Also called as serology test, this test helps us to keep a track of the virus and also to find out if the body has any immunity against the virus. When the immune system senses a virus, it produces these antibodies that attach itself to the virus to neutralize the effect and prevent its spread.

Anti-body tests are done to detect two types of antibodies- IgM and IgG. IgM antibodies can be detected several days after the initial infection whereas IgG antibodies become detectable 10-12 days after the infection. A positive test result may mean that you were exposed to the virus some time in the past and have some immunity against it.

Pathkind Labs have the facility to offer both COVID-19 total antibody test (exposure detection) and COVID-19 IgG antibody test (immunity detection). We help you to find out if you had any recent exposure to the novel coronavirus and what precautions should be taken. An in-depth understanding of your condition and precise consultation along with diagnosis is provided by Pathkind experts.

Testing has become a vital part as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic so as to detect as many cases as possible to provide immediate medical help. A lot of lives can be saved form this novel virus if timely treatment is given to them. And this is possible only if there is detection of the virus through legit COVID-19 tests.

Diagnostic tests are further divided into two types:

1. Molecular test
   
   Molecular test is the most commonly used diagnostic test that detects the current, active infection in the body by finding the presence of the virus’s genetic code. The working of this test is based on an old and reliable technique: RT- PCR (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction).
   
   Working: Molecular tests require a sample from the patient that is likely to contain the virus like a nasal, throat or saliva swab as it makes an apt sample of the person’s respiratory tract. It then undergoes the molecular testing using the RT-PCR method. The RT-PCR is method is most viable as it first uses transcription to obtain the DNA and then the PCR replicates this DNA, creating as much as required for test analyzation.
   
   Molecular tests are most reliable because of its high sensitivity and take about 2-4 days to give accurate results. Pathkind Labs now offers ICMR, Government of India approved RT-PCR tests assuring precision, convenience and accuracy. Our experts are well-trained to follow the necessary safety guidelines while collecting the samples.
    
2. Antigen Test
   
   Antigen test is similar to molecular test however they detect the virus-related specific antigen proteins in the body for the diagnosis of the virus.
   
   Working: Antigen tests stimulates the immune response of the virus resulting in detection of antigen proteins or lipids currently present in the body. They can take longer to develop in the body as compared to genetic material detected in a molecular test.
   
   The sample is collected with the help of the nasal or a throat swab, exposed to strips that contain artificial antibodies which binds the coronavirus antigens giving a visual readout resulting in accurate test result. (ref- Wikipedia- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_testing).

Antibody Test:

Our body’s immune system gets triggered and produces antibodies to ward off any foreign virus that enters the body. The tests done to determine presence of these antibodies in the person is called the ‘Antibody test’. Antibodies are produced when your body is fully recovered from the coronavirus and detects the evidence of past infections.

Working: The doctor takes a sample of your blood either by a finger prick or from any vein to run an effective anti-body test. Also called as serology test, this test helps us to keep a track of the virus and also to find out if the body has any immunity against the virus. When the immune system senses a virus, it produces these antibodies that attach itself to the virus to neutralize the effect and prevent its spread.

Anti-body tests are done to detect two types of antibodies- IgM and IgG. IgM antibodies can be detected several days after the initial infection whereas IgG antibodies become detectable 10-12 days after the infection. A positive test result may mean that you were exposed to the virus some time in the past and have some immunity against it.

Pathkind Labs have the facility to offer both COVID-19 total antibody test (exposure detection) and COVID-19 IgG antibody test (immunity detection). We help you to find out if you had any recent exposure to the novel coronavirus and what precautions should be taken. An in-depth understanding of your condition and precise consultation along with diagnosis is provided by Pathkind experts.

Testing has become a vital part as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic so as to detect as many cases as possible to provide immediate medical help. A lot of lives can be saved form this novel virus if timely treatment is given to them. And this is possible only if there is detection of the virus through legit COVID-19 tests.