Since its discovery in China in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has become a global health concern. To combat the global spread of this disease, governments throughout the world have undertaken a variety of measures, including social isolation, mask use, and sanitization. Traveling during the outbreak has become increasingly difficult because of the disparities in COVID testing policies among nations and airlines.
All travelers arriving from COVID-19 high-risk countries must undergo pre-departure RT-PCR testing. As a result, many are seeking speedy testing options to meet their demands. Learn more about pre-travel RT-PCR testing here.
What is an RT-PCR test?
RT-PCR is an abbreviation for Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction. It is widely regarded as the gold standard for determining the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which results in contracting COVID-19. This test has more-or-less, a high accuracy rate, is cost-effective, and produces test results quickly.
How are RT-PCR tests conducted?
To conduct this RT-PCR testing, your healthcare provider will use nasopharyngeal swabs to collect a sample from your nose or throat. This sample will subsequently be analyzed in the laboratory for viral RNA. Most importantly, it is a painless and safe process and you need not feel alarmed before taking this test.
This test is performed via quantitative PCR (qPCR) which is a method of monitoring the amplification process with fluorescence. It enables experts to rapidly evaluate the results. This laboratory method involves reverse transcription (RT) of the viral RNA into DNA, which is then amplified using another technique known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It aids in the detection of even extremely low concentrations of the virus at the moment by DNA amplification, even when illness signs are not obvious.
How much time is required for RT-PCR tests to generate results?
With RT-PCR tests, the viral DNA of COVID-19 is detected in the sample to check if it has been infected. This test is highly reliable and can garner an accurate result if taken within 5 days of being infected. If a person showing symptoms take the test within the stipulated amount of time, they are more likely to get a positive test result.
Most nations now need a negative PCR test result taken 48 to 72 hours before arrival. Clinics that have the capability of processing your results on-site may be able to provide them within hours. However, the ones that need to send the results away or have a backlog of testing may take a few days or a week.
How long is a PCR test valid for travel?
Many countries, including several states in the U.S., have mandated passengers have their RT-PCR tests performed 48 hours before departure – or even earlier – in order to forbid the entry of anybody infected with COVID-19. With the immunization campaign gaining traction, some jurisdictions have dropped this mandate. However, before you schedule your trip, make sure to check the respective states’/countries’ government advisories.
When to get an RT-PCR test
If you are experiencing any COVID symptoms get an RT-PCR test done as soon as possible. Symptoms like high fever, exhaustion, and dry cough are prevalent COVID-19 symptoms. You should also look out for less common symptoms like headache, chills, muscle or joint pain, dizziness, taste or odor loss, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, nausea, sore throat, skin rash, or diarrhea.
If you have a high fever, cough, breathing difficulty or shortness of breath, chest pressure, or pain, get medical assistance immediately once. This is applicable to people of all ages. You can contact your local healthcare provider, or your general physician who can route you to the right testing facility or give you treatment options.
Why Affordable Rapid Testing is the best testing service for RT-PCR testing
Testing is the only method to discern if you have contracted COVID-19 or the normal flu. The easiest and quickest method to ensure if you have COVID-19 is via RT-PCR testing. To avail of a quick and budget-friendly test, choose Affordable Rapid Testing, Arizona. They offer the fastest RT-PCR test results with a guarantee of accuracy. They will assist you throughout the testing procedure and provide comprehensive results promptly, thanks to their staff of medical specialists. Because their clinics are located throughout Scottsdale and Phoenix, they can provide easy access to their services. Visit their official website to learn more about them.
