What to know before running a Covid-19 test

Before running a Covid-19 test kindly understand the kind of test you are running. Unfortunately alot of people have being victims of misinformation and alot of health care workers have paid with their health and lives while attending to patients that were presumed Negative.
The are currently 3 tests available in Nigeria.
1. Antigen test.
2. PCR test.
3. Antibody test.

1. Antigen test (frequently referred to as a rapid test). This test detects protein fragments specific to the Coronavirus. It can be done in a clinic, doctor’s office, or hospital. Turnaround time for results is usually very quick and in some cases, results can be reported within 15 minutes.
Sensitivity of this test in Nigeria is Currently: 30-40%

2. PCR test. PCR testing is considered the “gold standard” in SARS-CoV-2 detection. This test actually detects RNA (or genetic material) that is specific to the virus and can detect the virus within days of infection, even those who have no symptoms. The test can be done in a clinic, hospital, or even in your car. Turnaround time is longer, generally in the 1-2 day range but results can be in as little as 12 hours. When demand is high, results can take a week or longer.
The sensitivity of this test is 85%-99%

3. An antibody test, also known as a serology test, is a blood test that can detect if a person has antibodies to Covid-19, COVID-19 antibody tests can help identify people who may have been infected with the Covid-19 virus or have recovered from the COVID-19 infection
This test gives. The sensitivity of this test is between 35-45 % when used randomly and above 80% when properly.
Before spending heavily on tests, choose the properly and help protect our health care workers. Stay safe, stay healthy.

Dr Dosunmu Jubril,

Southern shore hospital.