PCR COVID Testing In Thornhill
The nose swab PCR COVID Test is one of the most accurate and reliable methods for diagnosing COVID-19. If the test results are positive, it means you most likely have the virus. Conversely, if the results are negative, it means you were probably not infected when you were tested. If you have symptoms of the virus or suspect that you were exposed to it, you should get tested at All Health Medical Centre as soon as possible. It’s the only way to ensure that your health hasn’t been compromised.
The PCR Test
PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction is a test that detects the presence of genetic material from a virus or other organism. If the virus is present at the time of testing, a PCR test will detect it. Furthermore, the test can locate any remaining virus fragments even if you are no longer carrying the infection. The PCR COVID Test is a molecular test that looks for genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 by analyzing an upper respiratory specimen.
The All-Health Medical Centre lab techs use this technology to detect even tiny amounts of ribonucleic acid (RNA) from specimens into DNA which is duplicated until the virus, if present, is detected. When it comes to COVID-19 diagnoses, this is the most accurate and reliable form of testing. Basically, the PCR test has been in use since February of 2020 and is considered the “Gold Standard” for diagnosing all variants of the COVID-19 virus. Always check with your doctor or a healthcare professional if you’re traveling during the pandemic, even if you’ve already been vaccinated.
The 3 Steps of the PCR COVID Test
The PCR COVID Test begins when an All-Health Medical Centre professional collects a sample of upper respiratory tissues found in your nose using a soft swab attached to a long stick. There are two types of swab tests. One type of swab collects a sample about 1” into the nostrils while the other, known as a nasopharyngeal swab, is considerably more invasive and goes further up into your nasal cavity.
While both swabs collect sufficient amounts of material, the nasopharyngeal swab can result in considerable discomfort for some patients. Once the sample is collected, the swab is placed in a test tube, sealed, and sent to our lab. Once the lab tech receives the sample, the genetic material is isolated from the other material of the sample.
The final step involves the use of enzymes, special chemicals, and thermal cycler to increase the tissue sample contained in the test tube. After a series of numerous cycles, copies of a small amount of the virus’s genetic material may be present in the test tube. If the SARS-CoV-2 virus is present, one of the chemicals will produce a fluorescent light and the test will be interpreted as positive.
To learn more about the PCR COVID Test, please contact All Health Medical Centre at (866) 837-8447 or send us a message at [email protected].