The entire world is worried about the outbreak of COVID-19 but it is first found in China in 2019, December. However, recently it is affecting the people of the globe causing life threatening to millions as well.
Only early detection and perfect diagnosis of Novel Corona virus (COVID-19) is the only method to curb the transmission rate while improving the recovery rate as well. Continue reading this blog to get to know about some of its lesser-known facts which will be helpful to stay healthy in this pandemic situation.
When you must undergo COVID-19 test and diagnosis
In case you suspect of an infection exposure or get exposed to COVID-19 and start observing mild early signs of it then call the doctor immediately to know the time and place for testing!
Avoid visiting the doctor directly as it is highly contagious! It is better to access the Corona virus self-checker of CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) and then decide the time to seek medical care and perform the test
Symptoms you must be careful off
The normal symptoms of Corona virus are;
- Breathing shortness
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Fever
Other symptoms although rarely can be observed at the same time; like:
- Loss of taste or smell
- · Repeated chilly shakings
- · Chills
- · Muscle pains and aches
- · Diarrhoea
- · Stuffy or runny nose
- · A sore throat
Usually, a symptom of Corona virus will take 2-14 days for appearing post exposure to this virus. There are many infected-persons who show little to no early signs of any illness yet they are infected and can transfer the virus to any healthy persons.
For mild cases only self-quarantine and home-isolation is what you need to be followed strictly to recover from the virus completely without spreading it to any others. However, still there are a few mild cases which need medical attention as they are quite complex.
Steps you have to take for the test
At present, COVID-19 test becomes limited only for those who are exposed to SARS-CoV-2 (Novel Corona virus) or those who experience the above symptoms and signs. A doctor consultation is a must once you suspect SARS-CoV-2 exposure. It can be done over the phone call via which your complete health assessment will be also done by the doctor.
Accordingly you will be directed what to do and when to perform the test along with necessary medical care. On 21st April, FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approves the usage of COVID-19 home testing kit. You have to use a cotton swab to collect the nasal or throat sample and send it to the designated laboratory for review.
The authorisation of the emergency use depicts that it can be used for the people whom have been suspected as COVID-19-infected patients by the healthcare professionals.
What involves with the test?
So far, the main COVID-19 diagnostic testing method used is PCR Test in London. It is much identical to the test preferred for detecting SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) when it first the globe in 2002.
For collection of this test’s sample, health care provider will do any of the following:
· Take stool or saliva sample
· Collect fluid from lower respiratory tract
· Swab the back of the throat or nose
Then the pathologists will perform the extraction of nucleic acid from the sample for the amplification of the genome parts via reverse transcription (RT-PCR) method. It will offer the result in broader comparison. Usually 2 genes will be found in SARS-CoV-2 genome.
The report of the rest will be more like:
· Negative in case neither of the gene is present
· Inconclusive in case any one of the gene is present
· Positive in case both of the genes are present
For the confirmation, your doctor may suggest undergoing chest CT scan for better diagnose of Corona virus and to know the way it has been transmitted into your body along with the time.
Is there any other test available for all?
Recently FDA has passed the authorisation of using rapid Corona virus diagnostic test for boosting the capacity of screening. Later it approves the devices of POC (point-of-care) testing designed by Cepheid, a California-based molecular diagnostics company to use as settings for numerous patients.
At present it can be performed at the hi-pri medical set ups like hospital units and emergency medical departments. But it is mainly reserved for checking the healthcare staffs who want to set back to work post COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 exposure.
When to expect the test report?
Basically the samples of RT-PCR are assessed in a group at the laboratory far away from the clinic where these have been collected. This is the reason it can consume a couple of days for obtaining the report. But by getting the new approval POC test supports collection of sample and its review at the similar location.
As a result it can offer the report within a short span of time. POC devices manufactured by Cepheid are able to generate the report in 45 minutes.
What’s about the accuracy of the test report?
RT-PCR test has the ability to offer accurate result in most cases. However, it will not be able to detect the infection if it is perform at the very initial stage of infection. At that time it can’t release protein strains for its detection. But as per latest study of COVID-19 the accuracy of the report varies on the basis of time and method of collecting the sample.
Even it is stated that chest CT scan identifies the infection accurately in 98% of cases whereas the accuracy rate of RT-PCR test is only about 71% respectively. Still RT-PCR test is widely available and you can look for a clinic of ‘PCR Test near me in London’ online to get tested. Also discuss with the healthcare provider about yours concerns of this test prior to make an appointment.
When you need immediate medical care?
Several positive cases of COVID-19 have been observed in which the patients experiencing breathing shortness. While in other flip, some breathe normally even with low oxygen count, this condition is termed as Silent Hypoxia.
However, both of the conditions can emerge to ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) when the patient needs immediate medical attention. In fact profuse sweating, rapid heart rate and abrupt dizziness also accompany with the said severe symptoms in the ARDS-infected people.
Some emergency warning symptoms of COVID-19 are mentioned in the following which reflect ARDS progression slowly:
· Weak pulse
· Cold palms and feet
· High fever with no response to basic cooling methods
· Sudden thinking issue and confusion
· A bluish tint on skin specifically on nail beds, lips and around the eyes
· Trouble breathing or breathing shortness
· Discomfort or squeezing in upper abdomen or chest, tightness and persistent pain
For any other serious symptoms don’t hesitate to call the medical care immediately. If possible reach any local hospital or doctor in an advance for obtaining the necessary instructions which you have to follow. Urgent medical care is really essential for the person who is highly susceptible with Corona virus complications. Aged people are at high risk if they are suffering from the below chronic medical issues:
· Type 2 diabetes
· Weak immune system from solid organ transplant
· Sickle cell disease
· COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
· Obesity with BMI (Body Mass Index) of about 30
· Kidney disease
· Severe heart disease like cardiomyopathies, coronary artery disease or heart failure
Till date RT-PCR is the key test to diagnose the COVID-19 in many countries. Yet there are some clinics which prefer chest CT scans for fast, simple and reliable method of assessing and diagnosing the infection. Before visiting a clinic for private COVID 19 Test in London get in touch with your healthcare provider whenever you suspect infection or experiencing mild symptoms.
Your risk will be screened by them to provide you with a specific plan of care and prevention along with instructions when and where to visit for the test.
