PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction. It is the global standard diagnostic test for SARS-COV2 infection and directly tests for the presence of viral nucleic acid in the patient.

If positive, it is indicative of an active infection with SARS-Cov2. Self-isolation is imperative and contact from health authorities can be expected to trace contacts and ensure limiting of transmission of the infection to others.
The sensitivity of the above test may be affected by the timing of sampling in the course of infection and by sampling technique. If negative, repeat testing may be required in the case of a positive contact or symptoms consistent with SARS-CoV2 infection.

Contact your health care provider for advice if required.

Detection of antigens by Lateral Flow Assay (LFA)-based point of care tests (POCT) for rapid antigen detection are indicative of a current infection by SARS-COV2. Antigens produced are specific for the SARS-COV2 virus. A positive test means that the patient is infected with SARS-COV2. Confirmatory RT-PCR testing is not necessary.

A negative test does not exclude infection with SARS-COV2. If symptoms are present or the patient has had a high-risk exposure and the antigen test is negative, a confirmatory RT-PCR test is required.

Detection of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 virus (Covid-19) are indicative of previous or recent infection with the virus. A positive result for IgM or IgG, or both IgG and IgM, is consistent with previous or recent infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus. The presence of IgM antibodies alone or in combination with IgG may indicate more recent infection but IgM antibodies may persist beyond the initial phase of the antibody response.

Antibody testing should not be used as a diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) infection.

If infection is suspected clinical consultation and PCR testing is advised. A negative antibody test does not exclude previous infection with SARS-CoV-2; antibody responses may be low and temporary particularly in asymptomatic infections. Furthermore, the presence of antibodies (a positive antibody test) is not a guarantee against reinfection with the virus or severe disease in the case of reinfection and ongoing precautions must be taken to avoid exposure to infection as per national and international guidelines.