If you’re planning to the UK, you need to familiarise yourself with the most updated entry requirements. This involves whether or not you need to get a Covid test before you board your plane, your vaccination documents and are documents you may need depending on your nationality. The exact testing requirements for different countries vary, and you should always consult an official source for the specific requirements for your destination. Most countries require that you have a COVID PCR test before departing and after arrival. You can book a day 2 PCR test Edinburgh online in advance to avoid being denied boarding.
Since March, COVID-19 tests have been the most popular and used tests. Experts have learned enough about this virus in just a few months and have come up with a few tests test to detect its existence.
Getting tested for COVID has minimal risk. However, getting tested too early may result in a negative result since there may not be enough infectious coronavirus protein fragments in your body to be discovered. Make sure you know when to get tested for COVID to help protect yourself and the people closest to you.
What Are The Different Types Of COVID Tests In The UK?
COVID testing is divided into two categories: diagnostic tests and antibody tests.
Diagnostic Testing
COVID-19 is formally diagnosed using two different diagnostic tests: molecular testing and antigen testing.
- Molecular testing (also called PCR or RNA tests)
These tests include swabbing mucus from the back of the throat or deep within your nose. The sample is then sent to a lab to analyze the virus’s specific genetic material. COVID-19 testing is more accurate with molecular assays. Moreover, because a lab must examine the test, it may take longer to receive your test results.
- Antigen testing (also called rapid testing)
Rapid testing uses the same swabbing technique as molecular testing but without the requirement for a lab or laboratory equipment. You will receive your results much sooner, in approximately 30 minutes. If you go to a drive-thru testing centre, you are more likely to receive rapid testing. While these tests are highly accurate in detecting COVID antigens, COVID antigens may take some time to emerge.
It’s important to understand the limitations of quick testing. If you come into contact with someone who tests positive for COVID and decides to do a quick test a few days later, the results may come back negative because the COVID antigens haven’t yet manifested in your body. You may acquire COVID symptoms and test positive a few days later. When you assume you’re in the clear after your initial negative result, you run the danger of exposing others to the virus.
Antibody Testing
The COVID antibody test is a blood test that tests for virus antibodies in your circulation.
A positive antibody test indicates that you have had COVID in the past, whether you were aware of it or not, and that your immune system has created antibodies to assist and fight the virus. However, because an antibody test can’t tell if you still have the coronavirus, this test is not recommended for travel.
What Are The Most Popular Symptoms Of Covid?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, your healthcare professional may prescribe a PCR test:
- Diarrhea.
- Sore throat.
- Headache.
- Cough.
- Fatigue.
- Fever or chills.
- Muscle or body aches.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Congestion or runny nose.
- New loss of taste or smell.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
COVID-19 does not cause symptoms in everyone. And not everyone who is ill exhibits all of the symptoms listed above. Even if you’ve been vaccinated, you could still carry the virus. That is why it is and therefore it is mandatory to book a day 2 PCR test in Edinburgh to be used after you arrive at your destination.
