COVID-19 PCR home testing
Our COVID-19 PCR test explained
What is a COVID-19 PCR test?
A COVID-19 PCR test or a polymerase chain reaction test, is a COVID test that is done to find genetic material from the COVD-19 virus. This kind of molecular tests detects the RNA of the coronavirus and are sensitive enough to only need a very tiny amount of it in order to pick up an infection.
The benefit of this test is its ability to pick up very small amounts of viral RNA very early in an infection, so there is a low chance for false negatives, including among pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases.
What is the COVID PCR test procedure?
To do an PCR test for COVID-19 with Epicentre, you will need to book a test online or contact our branch in your area. A representative from Epicentre will then chat with you and confirm a testing time.
On the day of your test, our nurse will drive to your home, workplace or other organized testing location.
Our nurse will then open a new PCR Test packet. This new nasal swab to collect a nasal or throat cavity swab (depending on your preference). Our nurses are very gentle and whilst the test will be over quickly we will do our best to make you feel calm and safe during the entire process.
This swab will then be secured in its plastic tube and bag, with your information in a cooler box. This cooler box will then be taken back to our branch and placed in a refrigeration unit until sample collection when it will be transported to our laboratory for analysis.
Our laboratory will analyse the sample and provide results on your COVID-19 infection status within 24-36 hrs of your testing procedure with us.
If you want more information on how a COVID-19 PCR test is analysed take a look at this interesting break down.
If you want more information on your results take a look at our article.
Who should get a COVID PCR test?
Having a COVID-19 PCR test is helpful if:
You are looking to get a test done for an official purpose such as leaving the country, entering a nursing home, having a medical procedure, or needing to get on an international flight.
It is also helpful if you have been exposed to COVID-19 at least 5 or more days ago, you have been exposed to COVID-19 and started symptoms, you are showing COVID-19 like symptoms.
Click here if you want more information on international travel regulations.
Get a COVID-19 PCR Home test if:
you are unable to come to our drive-through location due to young children or condition.
However, we highly recommend our drive through testing due to its ease of use and competitive price
Get a COVID-19 Antigen & PCR test if:
If you urgently need to know your infection status, and you were exposed to COVID-19 but you have not yet started COVID-19 symptoms, or you started symptoms more than 3 days ago.
Some countries require both a COVID-19 Antigen test and PCR test always check our travel regulations page and double check with your airline what is needed for your destination country.
Get only an COVID-19 Antigen test if:
You have recently started symptoms of COVID-19 (1-3 days), your doctor thinks you may have the novel coronavirus and have recently started (1-3 days) symptoms or you have been in close contact with an individual suspected of or confirmed to have COVID-19 between 5-7 days ago, and you want to have a quick test done to check your status for unofficial purposes.
Get a Rapid COVID Antibody test if:
You had symptoms of COVID-19 in the past but weren’t tested, your doctor thinks you may have the novel coronavirus and started symptoms more than 3 days ago, yYou have been in close contact with an individual suspected of or confirmed to have COVID-19 and you want to have a quick test done to check your status; or you have recovered from COVID-19 2 want to check your possible immunity
When should you get a COVID-19 PCR test?
You can test for COVID-19 5 days after you have been exposed to the virus.
In South Africa having a COVID test result can be the difference between getting into hospital, so we all need to understand that to book a COVID test with Epicentre:
You DO NOT need to wait 7 days.
You need to wait until 5 days after you think you touched or breathed in the COVID virus.
You DO NOT need a doctors referral.
You DO NOT need to be showing symptoms.
You just need to make an online booking or arrive at our testing branch (we are happy to accept walk-ins).
In the picture above you can see the process or stages of a COVID-19 infection.
Day (-)5: Patient’s exposure to COVID-19 happens.
It is only after this 5-day period that their infection will officially ‘begin’.
Day 0-2: 5 days after their initial exposure, their infection will ‘happen’ in these first 2 days. They will become contagious in those first 2-3 days, but will show no symptoms
You can test at this point because your infection has officially begun
Day 3: Their symptoms will appear, but for 80% of people, they will have no symptoms or a mild case of COVID-19.
Day 5-7: This is a crucial period of days as it is at this point that many people go into hospital if they have a serious case of the virus. Some patients may have a “mild” case of the disease in the very beginning, but their symptoms may get worse over the course of the first week or more & then they may need hospitalization.
Those who need hospitalization normally reach this point of needing additional health support on day 5 to 7 after their symptoms start (Wang, et al.).
These patients should be on the lookout for any worsening ability to perform normal activities or tasks at home due to ‘shortness of breath’. These patients should immediately contact their doctor. You can learn what ‘serious symptoms‘ to watch out for here.
These patients need to take a copy of their positive COVID-19 results & get checked at a healthcare facility.
Day 14: If you had a mild case and are symptom free, you can stop isolating.
After this point if you recovered and want to test for a COVID-19 you would need to use a Rapid COVID-19 Antibody test
For a more in depth look at the stages of a COVID-19 infection take a look at our helpful article on the day by day symptoms of a COVID-19 infection.
What time should I come for my test?
We will call you and agree upon a time together after your booking.
How can a COVID-19 PCR test help you?
A COVID-19 PCR test can help you:
We provide free COVID-19 PCR certificates with every PCR test. You can use this certificate (if it is negative) for international travel or for entry into official locations such as nursing homes or hospitals. You can use this certificate (if it is positive) for entry into hospital for treatment.
A PCR test can also give you certainty on your COVID-19 status as it is the most accurate COVID test on the market.
What Laboratory Does Epicentre Use?
At our Hillcrest branch we use Universal Pathology Laboratory (UPL) in Durban.
At our Randburg branch we use iMed Laboratories in JHB.
& at our Wynberg branch we use Indalo Bio labs in CPT.
Where can you get a Walk-In Lab test?
You can get a wide range of tests with our testing angels at one of our many branches!