Question 1

What is the difference between PCR and antigen testing?

Accepted Answer

PCR testing detects the genetic material (DNA/RNA) of pathogens and is highly accurate even at low infection levels. It uses urine or swab samples and results take 2-7 days. Antigen testing detects proteins from pathogens or the immune response, using blood samples with faster results (same day or 20 minutes). PCR is more sensitive; antigen tests are quicker but may need PCR confirmation. At Epicentre, PCR is available for walk-in and home kits; antigen testing is walk-in only.

Question 2

What is an ODx functional health report?

Accepted Answer

ODx (OptimalDX) is a functional health report that transforms your blood test results into easy-to-understand, colour-coded visualizations. Unlike standard lab reports that only flag results outside disease reference ranges, ODx uses optimal ranges to identify health imbalances early. Results are mapped across body systems (immune, hormonal, metabolic, cardiovascular) with practitioner-ready summaries and wellness recommendations. ODx packages at Epicentre include 13-37+ biomarkers.

Question 3

Can I do PCR testing at home?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Epicentre offers at-home PCR test kits delivered nationwide in South Africa. You receive a kit with collection materials and instructions, collect your sample (urine or swab) at home, then return it via prepaid courier. Your samples are processed in the same certified labs as walk-in tests, with results delivered via secure WhatsApp in 5 – 7 working days. Home kits are available for STIs, HPV, UTIs, and gut health panels.

Question 4

What does PCR testing detect?

Accepted Answer

PCR testing at Epicentre detects the DNA or RNA of pathogens including: Sexual health infections (Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Herpes HSV-1 and HSV-2, HPV including 27 strains, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma, Trichomonas, Syphilis); Gut health organisms (45+ targets including H. pylori, Candida species, parasites, beneficial and harmful bacteria); UTI pathogens (E. coli, Enterococcus, Candida species, Staphylococcus).

Question 5

How accurate is Epicentre's PCR testing?

Accepted Answer

PCR testing is considered the gold standard for molecular diagnostics with very high accuracy (sensitivity and specificity typically >95%). PCR can detect infections at very low levels, even before symptoms appear. Epicentre's testing is research-grade, validated through partnerships with WHO, NICD, and FIND. The same laboratory standards apply to both walk-in and home kit samples.

Question 6

What is included in the ODx packages?

Accepted Answer

Epicentre offers three ODx packages: ODx Vital (13 markers) includes glucose, HBA1C, liver function, lipids, thyroid (TSH, FT4), CRP, vitamins B12 and D, and full blood count. ODx Max (32 markers) adds fasting insulin, iron studies, homocysteine, hormones (cortisol, oestradiol, testosterone), magnesium, and ESR. ODx Ultimate (37+ markers) includes everything plus C-peptide, apolipoprotein A/B, progesterone, SHBG, copper, and zinc. All packages include colour-coded functional analysis reports.

Question 7

How do home test kits work?

Accepted Answer

Step 1: Order your kit online at epicentre.org.za/shop. Step 2: Kit is couriered to your address with collection materials and instructions. Step 3: Collect your sample at home (urine, swab, or stool depending on test). Step 4: Call, email, or WhatsApp Epicentre when ready for pickup. Step 5: Use the prepaid shipping label to return your sample. Step 6: Samples are processed in certified labs with results sent via secure WhatsApp in 2 – 5 working days (blood) or 5 – 7 working days (PCR).

Question 8

Is antigen testing available for home kits?

Accepted Answer

No, antigen testing requires a blood draw and is only available at Epicentre's walk-in lab locations (Durban Hillcrest, Cape Town Observatory, Johannesburg Parktown North). Home test kits use PCR technology with urine, swab, or stool samples that patients can collect themselves. If you need HIV, Syphilis, or Hepatitis B screening via antigen testing, please visit one of our walk-in labs.

Question 9

Why does Epicentre use optimal ranges instead of standard reference ranges?

Accepted Answer

Standard lab reference ranges are based on population averages and only flag results when they indicate disease. Optimal ranges, used in ODx reports, represent where your biomarkers should ideally be for optimal health and function. This allows early detection of trends toward dysfunction before disease develops. For example, a fasting glucose of 5.9 mmol/L is 'normal' by standard ranges but may indicate pre-diabetes risk on optimal ranges. ODx helps you optimize health, not just avoid disease.

Question 10

What makes Epicentre's testing innovative?

Accepted Answer

Epicentre combines four innovations: (1) Research-validated diagnostics – every test is scientifically verified through partnerships with WHO, NICD, and FIND; (2) Functional health analysis – ODx reports transform numbers into actionable insights mapped across body systems; (3) Flexible access – choose walk-in labs or home kits with the same accuracy; (4) 20+ years of experience – Epicentre Research NPC has published 65+ peer-reviewed papers and conducted nationwide studies including the COVID-19 Antibody Survey announced by President Ramaphosa.

Feature	🧬 PCR Testing	⚡ Antigen Testing
What it detects	DNA/RNA of pathogen	Proteins (antigens)
Sample type	Urine or swab	Blood
Accuracy	Very high (molecular level)	Fast, moderate accuracy
Result time	2 – 5 days (blood) 5 – 7 days (PCR)	Same day / 20 minutes
Walk-in labs	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Home kits	✓ Yes	✗ No
Best for	Comprehensive STI, gut health, HPV	Quick HIV, Syphilis, Hep B screen

Innovative Testing

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PCR Testing

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At-Home Test Kits

PCR vs. Antigen: Which Test Do I Need?

Why ODx Makes a Difference

OptimalDX Reports

Low Zone

Optimal Zone

High Zone

How Home Test Kits Work

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Collect Sample

Schedule Pickup

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