Two new Covid-19 tests for private healthcare sector approved

  • 3 years   ago
Updating its Covid-19 testing protocol, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has approved antibody and antigen tests to be taken place in the private healthcare sector.
 
Recently the health ministry, updated COVID-19 testing protocol and approved two new tests for private healthcare sector.
 
 
Three COVID-1 9 tests are now available at approved private hospitals and clinics:
 
Rapid antigen testing
 
•    Offers a fast and reasonably accurate screening test to detect COVID-19 virus antigens in the individual.
•    The test can be used for a range of uses including triaging patients with respiratory symptoms presenting to clinics, and prior to hospital admission for minor procedures.
•    Requires a nasal swab to be taken from the individual and the results are usually available within 15 minutes.
 
Antibody testing (Rapid, Anti-N and Anti-S assays)
 
•    Designed to demonstrate immunity against COVID-19 as a result of a previous infection or vaccination.
•    These tests can be done in private clinics by nurses, physicians, or other healthcare providers.
•    Requires a blood drop to be taken from the individual and the results are usually available within 15 minutes
 
Pol merase chain reaction (PCR) testing
 
•    For screening of asymptomatic people or patients or patients presenting with COVID-19 like symptoms or other respiratory symptoms.
•    It can detect COVID-19 virus in the early acute infectious stage of the infection and during the prolonged shedding stage that is often found in recovering patients.
•    Currently, PCR tests are required prior to travel, before major hospital procedures and for confirmation of infection following a positive rapid antigen test
•    PCR testing is considered the golden standard test in diagnosing acute infection with COVID-19

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