The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019 brought about some unprecedented consequences for the world. In the past year, millions of people have been vaccinated all over the globe. Vaccinated individuals can travel to another region without being concerned about contracting the infection. But if you are taking an air trip to another place, you need to provide evidence of not having COVID-19. You need to do so even if you are vaccinated. It’s always a good idea to do a covid test for travel from an ISO compliant lab that provides accurate results in as little time as possible.
Common Tests for COVID-19
Molecular (arti-PCR) test
It’s a method of testing that directly detects the virus presence in an individual’s sample. The RNA (virus’s genetic material) gets detected through this test. The initial test in the RT-PCR test is to turn the RNA to DNA via an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. After this, PCR testing is used to detect this DNA. In this test, a person gives their throat or nasal swab sample. You can get the results within two to three days.
COVID-19 antigen test
An antigen test helps identify the antigens associated with the COVID-19 virus. It refers to viral proteins or any foreign matter in a person’s body that causes an immune response. It’s also called a rapid antigen test and provides results much more quickly than molecular tests. A person provides their throat or nasal swab sample to take it. The test provides results in just an hour or even less than that.
COVID-19 antibody test
It’s also called Serology. This test detects if you were earlier infected with the COVID-19 virus. This test doesn’t look for the active virus. Instead, it detects if your immune system has reacted to the infection. A person provides their blood sample to take this test. You can get results within one to three days. You can know if your body presently has antibodies against the virus with this test.
Where to Test for COVID-19 Before or After Travelling
You can get tested for COVID-19 at various places like urgent care centres, hospitals, and airports. Several private pathology testing sites are also open, and you can get tested from there also. You can also use the map of larger testing centres delivered by the health department to find out about the testing sites. Specific sites offer you the option to pre-register your details through the testing registration form.
Various workplaces and schools set up screening programs for their employees and students. Employers should seek complete COVID-19 testing services to assure themselves about their workers’ health and safety. A reliable covid test for travel provides the required digital and printable test results. Thus, through it, you can meet all the safety stipulations before embarking on any trip. You can get results in as little as 24 hours and be notified about them in real-time.
Should You Get Tested for COVID-19?
If you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild they are, it’s best to get tested. Some common signs of the virus infection are:
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Loss of smell/taste
- Chills or fever
- Body/muscle aches
Asymptomatic people should also get tested in specific circumstances. These circumstances include:
- If you have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
- If you have just returned from a foreign trip.
- If you have surgery, that’s due.
For employers, it’s best to seek the services of reliable laboratories to ensure that all their workers are safe and not infected with the virus. It will help contain the spread of this contagious virus.
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