A substantial part of the world’s solution to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is testing individuals who may have the virus. Testing is such a critical component of our response because it helps patients with COVID-19 to access support when they need it. It means that we should separate them from others and help avoid the transmission of the virus. We may use contact tracing to get in touch with people they might have already been in contact with to let them know if they need self-quarantine.
With all the emphasis on research, you may have a few questions about how it works.
- Where do you get a COVID-19 test
- How does it work
- Should you test it
- How to prepare yourself
- How to prepare your children
- What are our next steps
Stay with us. You will get all your answers about coronavirus testing.
What Coronavirus Tests Are Available?
1. NAAT Tests
The most widely used coronavirus tests are the WHO-recommended Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs), which diagnose the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19 disease.
2. Serological Tests
Serological testing detects antibodies in the blood serum. Antibodies are proteins formed by white blood cells that combat foreign bodies, such as antigens.
Who Will Get Tested?
Many patients with minor signs cannot get tested in countries like the United States, mostly due to the shortage of diagnostic kits.
The WHO recommended that if a person is tested positive, it is necessary to recognize those who come into “near-contact.”
Where Can You Get Tested?
Specialist laboratories and diagnostic services such as hospitals and clinics do coronavirus tests in most countries.
However, in recent weeks, countries such as Germany, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and South Korea have opened research centers beyond conventional hospital environments.
In South Korea, several cities have begun to authorize roadside monitoring. This minimizes testing time to a third. This also lowers the chance of contracting the virus – as the person is in his car. The whole procedure is estimated to take roughly 10 minutes.
Some Things To Know Before Testing
Here are some essential things that you should know before going for coronavirus testing.
1. Be Conscious Of Any Signs You May Have Now Or Have Previously Encountered
Many patients who tested positive for COVID-19 have mild symptoms. So, finding anything as mild as Anosmia, the transient lack of your sense of smell, is a vital thing to notice, to remember, and to inform your doctor.
2. Note, If You Were With Someone Who Was Ill
There are now hypotheses that the virus had reached the United States faster than we first believed. You don’t need to note any sneeze that goes back to January. But think about when you’ve visited a sick friend or family, even though it was before the epidemic began.
3. Wear A Mask
Wearing a mask – protecting both your mouth and your nose – reduces the transmission of the infection and protects you and others healthy.
4. Prepare Yourself for The Respective Test
Don’t get too worried about all the diagnostic examinations you undergo. As for the blood test, you don’t need to wear any extra clothing except roll up your sleeve, and you don’t need to fast beforehand.
5. Follow Social-Distancing Guidelines
Please be prepared to obey the social-distance instructions to stay healthy, keep other patients safe, and keep hospital personnel safe.
How To Prepare Your Children For Coronavirus Testing
1. Create A Coping Plan
It’s essential to prepare the tactics you will use leading up to, during and after the coronavirus testing. And it allows time to practice the tactics. Knowing the strategy makes things simpler for children and their parents, mainly if anyone is anxious.
2. Use Comfort Positioning
Comfort positions (not restraint) make children feel comfortable and relaxed during medical procedures. If you’re in a driving test site, parents should sit side by side in a car next to their child with their arms folded around their child. If you’re in a research center, younger children will sit on their parent’s lap either sideways or with their backs on their parent’s chest. Parents should hold their child close, like an embrace. It can help to bundle your child in a blanket before embracing them gently.
3. Tell Your Child To Look Up, Take Deep Breaths, Count and Close Their Eyes
Coaching your kid to take those slow belly breaths out of their mouth while swab makes them stay calm. Counting together at 20 (or even counting the adult alone) holds the child’s mind on something other than a swab and makes them realize that it’s over. Suggesting that your child closes his eyes can also help.
4. Prepare Your Child By Sharing Child-Friendly Information
When children or their parents are worried about coming medical treatments, parents often assume that the fewer details they share with their infant, the better. In truth, the reverse is true.
Children have vibrant imaginations that fill the missing details. Often they imagine situations much worse or more terrifying than they are in real life. Sharing age-specific knowledge about early medical treatments with children is a more successful way to alleviate concerns.
5. Talk To Your Child About What They Did Well
Your child will likely have to take more than one COVID-19 exam in his or her life. Helping children to recall the test process truthfully or optimistically makes it more likely that the next test will go well or even better.
Some FAQ
1. Does The COVID-19 Test Hurt?
The COVID-19 exam isn’t meant to be unpleasant, but it can be irritating. There’s a reason you don’t usually put anything on your nose! It’s really fast, though, so even if it sounds a little odd, it will only last a few seconds.
2. If I Have A Test, Do I Have To Isolate?
After being tested, you will have to isolate yourself. A nurse or doctor may determine that you need to be more formally separated in the hospital if you are really sick. This decision would depend on the condition and the possibility of infecting others.
3. What Happens If My Test Result Is Positive?
If the result is positive, you will get a public health unit call to advise you what to do next. Generally, if you have serious signs, you would need to go to the doctor. Home quarantine is appropriate for mild cases.
4. What Happens If My Test Result Is Negative?
If the test is negative, the doctor or clinic will let you know. If the doctor or clinic has advised you to remove yourself once the report is available, they will offer more guidance about what to do next.
5. My Test Was Negative, But I’m Still Feeling Sick – Should I Get Tested Again?
If you ever feel uneasy and feel odd or seek urgent attention to treat your symptoms, speak to the GP or dial 911 to get medical advice about your condition.
Do’s and Don’ts Of Coronavirus Testing
Do:
- Monitor your signs and contact your doctor before you take an exam.
- Take steps to keep the immune system healthy
- Stay at home and take self-quarantine seriously
- Call your doctor or start a video visit for further action if you have interacted with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19 or You are experiencing fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Don’t:
- Don’t get tested if you have no symptoms
