COVID 19 RT PCR Test
Appointments are not needed!
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) PCR Assay
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection caused by a newly emergent coronavirus – Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which was first recognized in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. Genetic sequencing of the virus suggests that SARS-CoV-2 is a beta coronavirus intricately linked to SARS coronavirus.
Infectivity is now recognized to occur before the onset of symptoms and yet high quantity of virus can be detected on upper airway surfaces in people who do not develop symptoms.
Infection with SARS-CoV-2, an RNA virus, is diagnosed using reverse-transcriptase PCR. The assays used at TDL show a minimum sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 100%, with no cross-reactivity with other viruses.
Indications
Most people with COVID-19 have uncomplicated or mild illness (81%), with non-specific symptoms such as fever, fatigue, cough (with or without sputum production), anorexia, malaise, muscle pain, sore throat, dyspnea, nasal congestion, or headache. Rarely, patients may also present with diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Loss of taste and smell has been reported early in the infection.
A relatively small proportion of people, particularly but by no means exclusively in those aged >70 years, will develop severe illness requiring oxygen therapy (14%) and approximately 5% will require intensive care unit treatment. Time from the onset of the infection to hospitalization can be up to ~13 days. Of those critically ill, most will require mechanical ventilation. The most common diagnosis in severe COVID-19 patients is severe pneumonia; this can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome, and life-threatening multi-organ dysfunction and death. Mortality has been estimated at between 1 and 2% of those infected, the higher figure in men.
Molecular Test for COVID-19 Infection
Most people with COVID-19 have uncomplicated or mild illness (81%), with non-specific symptoms such as fever, fatigue, cough (with or without sputum production), anorexia, malaise, muscle pain, sore throat, dyspnea, nasal congestion, or headache. Rarely, patients may also present with diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Loss of taste and smell has been reported early in the infection.
A relatively small proportion of people, particularly but by no means exclusively in those aged >70 years, will develop severe illness requiring oxygen therapy (14%) and approximately 5% will require intensive care unit treatment. Time from the onset of the infection to hospitalization can be up to ~13 days. Of those critically ill, most will require mechanical ventilation. The most common diagnosis in severe COVID-19 patients is severe pneumonia; this can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome, and life-threatening multi-organ dysfunction and death. Mortality has been estimated at between 1 and 2% of those infected, the higher figure in men.
Accessing COVID-19 Test Results
Patients may access their results for COVID-19 RT-PCR Test using our portal and results will be sent by email and / or messaged to WhatsApp.
COVID-19 Testing & Information
Testing available at Perambalur and Trichy Laboratories
Testing Hours:Monday – Sunday (6:00 am to 11:30 pm) & Home Visit
What is a COVID-19 Serology (Antibody) Test
A COVID-19 serology test detects human SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. This test determines whether a person has ever been infected with COVID-19, and therefore whether they may have a degree of potential immunity.
Serology refers to the study of antibodies in human fluids, most frequently found in the blood. An antibody test looks for the presence of antibodies, which are specific proteins made in response to infections. Antibodies are typically detected in the blood of people who are tested after infection; they show an immune response to the infection. Antibody test results are especially important for detecting previous infections in people who had few or no symptoms.
Studies are still ongoing to determine how much protection (immunity) antibodies might provide against getting infected again. Based on what we know from similar viruses, some reinfections are expected. Confirmed and suspected cases of reinfection of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been reported but remain rare.
Elite Labs Serology Test
Elite Labs performs serology tests that will be used to detect antibodies through blood against SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 infection. Our Serology Test identifies the presence of antibodies indicating that a person had an immune response to COVID-19 (also known as coronavirus or SARS-CoV-2). A positive result to this antibody (IgG) test indicates that you may have had previous exposure to COVID-19 and your body has developed antibodies.
How is a COVID-19 Serology Test Taken?
COVID-19 serology tests involve taking a blood sample to check for coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies. Blood is extracted with a venous blood draw, i.e., usually blood taken from one of your veins. This blood sample is then taken for testing and analysis by doctors in a medical lab.
Serology Testing Experience
At Elite Labs, our experts deal with all aspects of serology testing, from managing anxiety around needles to clearly explaining the procedure and provide the most comfortable experience possible. Our dedicated and attentive staff make sure the whole process of receiving the test revolves around you.
Understanding Your COVID-19 Serology Test Results
There are 2 possible outcomes you may receive from a COVID-19 serology test:
- Positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody serology test result
- Negative SARS-CoV-2 antibody serology test result
What a Positive COVID-19 Serology Test Means
A positive serology test result means that the test has detected some SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) antibodies in the blood sample. This means it is probable that you have had coronavirus before (even if you were asymptomatic). It is not possible to determine exactly when you might have been infected.
What a Negative COVID-19 Serology Test Means
A negative serology test result means your test has not found any COVID-19 Coronavirus antibodies. This means it is unlikely that you have previously contracted coronavirus.However, a negative serology test result does not guarantee you have never had coronavirus at some point as antibodies to COVID-19 diminish over several months.
Who Should Get a COVID-19 Serology Test?
Serological tests can identify previous infection or vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID) virus. It is also worth remembering that around 1 in 10 people will not produce antibodies, neither post-infection nor post-vaccine, so serology will not pick up all cases of previous COVID.
Can I Take a Serology Test after COVID-19 Vaccination?
Yes. A serology test can still indicate whether you were infected by COVID-19 in the past. The antibodies developed by your body several weeks after a coronavirus vaccination are different to the ones that the serology test detects. So, to test for these, you may be required to take a different serology test than standard.
Book an Appointment
COVID-19 Serology Testing & Information
Testing available at Perambalur and Trichy Laboratories
Testing Hours: Monday – Sunday (6:00 am to 10:00 pm) & Home Visit