PCR of SARS-CoV-2
PCR of SARS-CoV-2 + Influenza A Virus, Influenza B Virus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
RAPID TEST for SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection
Quantitative IgM antibody detection against SARS-CoV-2
Quantitative IgG antibody detection against SARS-CoV-2
Detection of Total Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2
RAPID TEST qualitative test for IgG and IgM antibodies
RAPID TEST qualitative IgG and IgM antibody test
PCR of SARS-CoV-2
- It is the reference test recommended by WHO for the detection of the virus.
- Method: Direct detection of the presence of the Covid-19 virus by molecular biology techniques (extraction of viral RNA plus PCR).
- Utility: Detects the presence of the virus from day 0 of infection, whether the patient has clinical symptoms or not. A positive patient must be confined and cannot access his/her workplace.
- Recommendation: For people who show symptoms or who have had contact in recent days with people diagnosed positive.
- Sample: Nasopharyngeal swab.
- Turnaround time: 24hrs.
- Possibility of requesting URGENT PCRs shortening the delivery time of the results. Samples received in the laboratory from Monday to Friday (not holidays) before 13:30 hours would have the result before 23:00 hours the same day.
PCR of SARS-CoV-2 + Influenza A Virus, Influenza B Virus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
- It is a new test that is practically the same as the one mentioned above, both in terms of sample type and delivery time, and methodology that allows discriminating a SARS-CoV-2 infection from that of a common flu (detected by means of Influenza Virus and RSV).
RAPID TEST for SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection
- Detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Therefore, it detects the presence of the virus directly.
- Recommendations: This type of test is only recommended for use in patients with obvious clinical symptoms (fever, malaise, sore throat, cough, etc.). In asymptomatic patients its use is not approved. The result is obtained in approximately 15 minutes and it is recommended to confirm it with a PCR.
Quantitative IgM antibody detection against SARS-CoV-2
- Method: Detection by enzyme immunoassay in automated laboratory equipment.
- Usefulness: Allows to establish the stage of infection. The detection of IgM antibodies indicates the presence of the virus in the patient. The patient may or may not have obvious clinical symptoms. These antibodies generally appear 8 days after infection. A patient with the presence of these antibodies must be confined to the patient’s workplace.
- Recommendation: For people who have had symptoms or have had contact with a positive person in recent weeks and want to know their immune status.
- Sample: Serum obtained by venipuncture.
- Delivery time: 24hrs.
Quantitative IgG antibody detection against SARS-CoV-2
- Method: Detection by enzyme immunoassay in automated laboratory equipment.
- Usefulness: Allows to establish the stage of infection. The detection of IgG antibodies indicates that the patient has been previously in contact with the virus and has generated a process of immunity. These antibodies generally appear 15 days after infection. A patient with the presence of these antibodies and negative IgM levels is free of disease and can enter the workplace.
- Recommendation: For people who have had symptoms or have had contact with a positive person in recent weeks and want to know their immune status.
- Sample: Serum obtained by venipuncture.
- Delivery time: 24hrs.
Detection of Total Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2
- Method: Chemiluminescence detection in automated laboratory equipment.
- Utility: Allows to establish the stage of infection.
- Recommendation: In case of obtaining a negative result, separate determination of IgG and IgM is not necessary, significantly decreasing costs and delivery time of results. In case of a positive result, both tests mentioned above should be performed.
- Sample: Serum obtained by venipuncture.
- Turnaround time: 12 hours.
RAPID TEST qualitative test for IgG and IgM antibodies
- Detection of qualitative IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. It does not quantify the amount of antibodies.
- Some large companies are focusing on epidemiological mapping with rapid tests for their workers. Rapid tests are only recommended as screening tests. The Ministry of Health considers as diagnostic tests only PCR and quantitative IgG/IgM serology performed by enzyme immunoassay or chemiluminescence.
RAPID TEST qualitative IgG and IgM antibody test
- Detection of qualitative IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. It does not quantify the amount of antibodies.
- Some large companies are focusing on epidemiological mapping with rapid tests for their workers. Rapid tests are only recommended as screening tests. The Ministry of Health considers only PCR and quantitative IgG/IgM serology by enzyme immunoassay or chemiluminescence as diagnostic tests.
