When should I get testesd for corona?
The most common symptoms of the SARS-CoV-2 infection include fever, runny nose, headaches and aching limbs, coughing as well as fatigue and a scratchy throat. A temporary loss of sense of smell and taste is also possible. If you experience some or all of these symptoms, you should definitely get tested. Additionally, if you have come in contact with someone who has tested positive and/or have been asked by the health authorities to get tested for coronavirus, you should do so immediately.
According to current information, those who are infected without symptoms or if symptoms have yet to appear can still infect others. As a result, we recommend carrying out regular testing.
If you are planning a wedding or other event, it is advisable that your guests undergo an RT-PCR test in advance and a rapid antigen test shortly before the event begins, even if they have no symptoms.
If you are planning family visits in the near future, it makes sense to undergo a test.
Source: Zusammen gegen Corona
What are the COVID testing options?
SARS-CoV-2 infections can currently be detected by standard PCR methods and some selected rapid tests.
What does an antibody test tell us?
In principle, antibody tests are only used for research into the epidemiology of infections, as they are not relevant for acute diagnostics.
Laboratory test:
Here, the antibodies produced by the body during an infection are detected. As the SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are not sufficiently developed until 14 days after the onset of the disease to be detected in the laboratory, this type of test is not viable. Furthermore, it is not possible to say how badly a person is infected.
Rapid test:
Since antibodies can usually only be detected after two weeks, the rapid tests with IgM, IgA, IgG or total antibodies are not suitable for acute diagnosis. Such tests are therefore only used for epidemiological research into infections.
Source: Robert Koch Institut / Hausarzt digital
What is a rapid antigen test?
In the scope of acute diagnostics, rapid antigen test detections are increasingly offered. One advantage of these rapid antigen tests is that they can be used widely and provide a rapid and validated result. Thus, possible infections can be detected more quickly and containment measures can be taken. These rapid tests, which are the only ones approved in Germany, are particularly suitable for public institutions and offices.
Source: Bundesgesundheitsministerium
What is an RT-PCR test?
This SARS-CoV-2 detection method is the only type of test that gives a direct indication of the pathogen. It is the most accurate and sensitive form of detection of all diagnostic systems in this field. This method, together with the rapid antigen test, is the only approved form of detection of infection with the virus.
Source: Robert Koch Institut
Which test can reliably tell me whether I am suffering from a SARS-CoV-2 infection?
Which test can reliably tell me whether I am suffering from a SARS-CoV-2 infection?
How long does the analysis of a corona test take?
- An RT-PCR test can take up to 48 hours, but in some cases, it is available after 6 hours
- A rapid antigen test takes about 30 min
What are the approved types of swab?
According to the Robert Koch Institute, both nasopharyngeal (nasopharyngeal swabs) and throat swabs (oropharyngeal swabs) can be used for the upper respiratory tract.
A nasopharyngeal swab, also called a nasopharyngeal swab, is a sample taken from the respiratory tract of the body.
For a throat swab, also called an oropharyngeal swab, a sample is taken from the throat. This procedure is more comfortable for most patients and is used as standard at COVID TestCenters.
Source: Robert Koch Institut