The diagnosis of the disease COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is carried out in Roundabout Polyclinic to asymptomatic patients and/or patients suffering from symptoms associated with it (mainly cough, dyspnea and fever), using the PCR test or rapid tests. Next, we detail what each of them consists of.
PCR tests
The PCR, which stands for 'Polymerase Chain Reaction', is the reference test and allows detection of the RNA of the virus. The test will be positive when the analysis detects genetic material of the virus. The sample from the patient is extracted by taking a nasopharyngeal swab and the results are obtained after 1 day.
PCR is a test, with high specificity and sensitivity, that facilitates the early diagnosis of the disease since it allows detecting the virus in the early stages of respiratory infection.
Rapid tests for the detection of antibodies (Ab)
These tests are less sensitive and specific than PCR and allow us to know if the patient is experiencing the disease (positive IgM), is not experiencing it (negative IgM and IgG) or has already passed it (positive IgG).
