SARS-CoV-2 Tests

In principle, the following applies to all tests: Samples must only be taken by experienced personnel, as many incorrect results are due to improper sampling.

Each test always represents only a snapshot. Depending on the test, a person tested negative may be infectious despite the result or within a few hours afterwards. We currently offer the following tests:

Laboratory test - RT-PCR

PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction and refers to a test method in which precisely defined DNA sections of the SARS-CoV-2 virus present in the sample are amplified using a special enzyme.

The CT value indicates how often the replication had to take place for the pathogen to be detectable. According to the RKI, from a value of over 30, one is considered to have been tested negative. However, some labs have to perform up to 38 or 40 of these replications due to different techniques.

Pros and cons for the PCR test

Advantage:

  • detects the pathogen in every phase of the infection
  • can provide conclusions about the state of the infection

Disadvantage:

  • quite expensive
  • evaluation must be carried out in a laboratory         12-48 hours

Pros and cons for the PCR test as Rachenwasserspültest

Advantage:

  • detects the pathogen in every phase of the infection
  • can provide conclusions about the state of the infection

Disadvantage:

  • quite expensive
  • evaluation must be carried out in a laboratory         12-48 hours

Pros and cons for the PCR tests in the Pooling procedure

Advantage:

  • more cost-effective than individual test
  • detects the pathogen in every phase of the infection
  • may provide conclusions on the status of infection

Nachteile:

  • double sampling necessary
  • in the case of positive, fee-based evaluation of the second sample
  • Evaluation must be done in a laboratory and may take          12-48 hours

As proof of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen, a smear of the upper respiratory tract (throat) is taken on site by our professional medical staff. The collected sample is immediately, in accordance with the applicable transport regulations and labels, cooled and anonymised to our partner laboratory.

There the sample is prepared and subjected to an RT-PCR test. The test results are available to us after 24 hours and are forwarded to our customer.

In the event of a positive test result, the person concerned will be informed immediately by our staff and a report will be made to the relevant health authority.

GPDS GMBH prepares a complete documentation about the sampling and its results and archives it in a legally secure manner.

SARS-CoV-2 antigen-tests

These SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests are colloquially referred to as rapid tests to confirm an acute coronavirus infection by direct pathogen detection. The SARS-CoV-2 antigen test is usually performed with specimens from a throat-nose swab.

Pros and cons for the SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests

Pros:

  • fast result after approx. 15 minutes
  • relatively inexpensive

Cons:

  • detects the pathogen only when the viral load is very high
  • detects the pathogen only on a few days of infection

Healthcare professionals

Basically, the measures serve to hedge and minimize the risk.

Our experienced personnel can take care of the following activities in accordance with your requirements:

  • Temperature control and documentation
  • Take throat swab for laboratory test - RT-PCR and SARS-CoV-2 antigen test

Do you have questions about our offered test methods?

Contact us now!