Get a PCR covid test Granada Hills if you have symptoms or have been in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus. PCR means polymerase chain reaction. It is a test used to detect the presence of a virus if you have it at the time. These tests can also see virus fragments even if you are no longer infected. This article will guide you on why PCR tests are required.
Table of Contents
What is a Covid-19 PCR Test?
PCR or polymerase chain reaction test for COVID 19 is a molecular test that analyzes your upper respiratory specimen, searching for genetic materials of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that results in COVID-19. Scientists utilize these tests to amplify tiny amounts of RNA from samples into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is replicated until SARS-CoV-2 is detected, if there is. PCR tests have been the main tests for diagnosing COVID-19 after being authorized for use in February 2020. These tests are accurate and reliable.
Read More: Covid Testing: Why You Need It
Who Needs PCR Testing?
Granada Hills health care provider may recommend COVID-19 testing if you are experiencing the following symptoms:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever or chills
- Fatigue
- Muscle or headaches
- New taste loss or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Diarrhea
- Headache
However, not everyone with this virus gets the symptoms. And not all patients with symptoms have the listed symptoms. Therefore, consult your healthcare provider if you are unwell during the pandemic, even if you have been vaccinated.
Test Details
There are main steps used during PCR testing in Granada Hills:
1. Collecting the Sample
A healthcare provider collects the Sample from the nose using a swab. A swab is a soft tip on a long, flexible stick that goes into your nose. Nose swabs come in different types, including nasal swabs, which collect the samples immediately from your nostrils, and nasopharyngeal swabs, which further get into the nasal cavity for collection. These swabs are sufficient for collecting materials from COVID testing. Once collected, the swab will be sealed and sent to the lab.
2. Extraction
After the sample collection, the scientist will isolate the genetic material from the whole material in the Sample.
3. PCR
PCR involves using particular chemicals, enzymes, and a PCR machine referred to as a thermal cycler. In every heating and cooling cycle, the amount of targeted genetic material in the tube increases. After several cycles, millions of copies of a tiny portion of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s genetic material are in the tube. If SARS-Cov-2 is present in the Sample, one of the chemicals in the line generates a fluorescent light. After enough amplification, the PCR machine can detect this sign. Scientists will use particular software to interpret the signal as a positive test outcome.
COVID-19 PCR Test Results
A positive COVID-19 test outcome reveals that you have an infection with SARS-CoV-2. This can result from asymptomatic infection. However, if you have the symptoms, it means you have COVID. Most patients experience a mild ailment and recover safely at home. If your symptoms worsen or you have any concerns, make sure to contact your healthcare provider. On the other hand, a negative test outcome indicates you probably do not have the infection with SARS-CoV-2 at the time of specimen collection. But you might have COVID-19, but no virus is caught on the test.
Conclusion
If you experience any COVID-19 symptoms, are exposed to people with symptoms, or have tested positive, you might require a test. The first thing to do is to get in touch with the pcr covid test granada hills physician. Note that accurate and quick PCR tests are key to slow the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, if you experience any symptoms, contact Granada Hills urgent care to get tested.
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