RT-PCR Home-Service or Drive-Thru Swab Test or Saliva Test 8HR, 15HR, 24HR Results | Detoxicare

- Swabbing area to be provided by the client for Home Service

1. What is an RT-PCR test?

An RT-PCR test, or a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test, is a process used to detect the genetic material from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. To test for the presence of the virus, samples have to be taken from a person's nose or throat by conducting a nasal swab or collecting saliva.

The RT-PCR COVID swab test is the most accurate of the three most commonly used COVID-19 tests, the two of which are the Antibody Rapid Test and the Antigen Test.

2. Rapid test vs Swab test: What's the difference?

An Antibody Rapid Test uses blood samples to detect the presence of specific antibodies a person's immune system produces in response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. To do this, you need to collect a drop of blood by pricking your finger. The collected blood will then be placed in a sample hole of an Antibody Rapid Test. Next, a solution will be added to the sample hole. Your results will then be ready in about 20 minutes. However, since this test looks for antibodies that you would develop after contracting COVID-19, it is often less accurate and may lead to false-positive or false-negative results.

On the other hand, a swab test is done by inserting a swab into a person's nostrils to collect a sample. The sample will then be tested for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus using certain methods depending on whether it is part of an RT-PCR test or an Antigen test. Aside from collecting samples via a nasal swab, swab tests are considered to produce more accurate results. Depending on a laboratory's capacity, results may take a few hours or more.

3. RT-PCR vs Antigen Test: What's the difference?

The main difference between an RT-PCR test and an Antigen test is what each test is designed to detect. RT-PCR tests are used to look for genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2, while an Antigen test detects protein markers located on the virus' surface.

Additionally, an RT-PCR test can detect the virus even before a person shows any symptoms of COVID-19. On the other hand, Antigen tests detect protein markers that may not show up until the peak of a COVID-19 infection, meaning it may overlook the virus when it is in the early stages or if the person is asymptomatic.

Overall, an RT-PCR COVID swab test is considered more accurate but is more costly and takes longer to produce results than an Antigen test.

4. RT-PCR Test Procedure: What to Expect?

A swab test is done by collecting a sample from your nasal cavity. To do this, a healthcare worker will insert a swab in both your nostrils. When it is inserted, it is usually rotated before being removed. The procedure is quick but may be uncomfortable for a brief moment, causing you to feel the need to cough or make your eyes water.

Meanwhile, a saliva COVID test simply requires you to spit into a sterile tube. Since this test is not invasive, it does not cause discomfort.

5. What to do before a swab test?

Prior to your walk-in COVID test, it is important to make sure your nostrils are clear to avoid having to repeat the test. If you feel any excess mucus in your nostrils, please blow your nose using tissue paper before the test.

However, if your nostrils are already clear, you will not need to do any special steps to prepare for the test.

6. How much is an RT-PCR COVID swab test?

Our RT-PCR swab test in Manila is PHP 2,200. We have the best rates for RT-PCR testing in Manila.

7. Is an RT-PCR COVID swab test painful?

The COVID swab test can be uncomfortable, but generally, it's not painful.