COVID-19 Testing at Parkhealth Medical Centres in Cape Town

There are three different types of tests used to detect past or current COVID-19 infection.

PCR

Polymerase Chain Reaction testing is the most accurate test that can be done to detect active COVID-19 infections. This test is done by taking a sample from the nose or throat which is put through a special machine in the testing laboratory. The process makes it easy to detect SARS-CoV-2 viral DNA and results are usually available within a few hours or days.

Antigen Test

As with the PCR test, samples are taken from the nose or throat but instead of being sent off to the lab for testing, analysis is often done on site at the testing facility. Results are usually available within an hour or two. Although the chances of a false negative result are quite low with antigen tests, they are still not as accurate as a PCR test and are not recommended for people who are asymptomatic (showing no symptoms).

Antibody Test

This test is not used to detect or diagnose an active COVID-19 infection. Instead, they are used to detect antibodies in the system which indicate a previous infection. Results are commonly available within 15 minutes.

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