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Antigen Test

These results can be used wherever a test is required that is NOT PCR (these could be concert venues, restaurants, conferences, etc.).  Results ready in approximately 15 mins. 

Molecular Test

Pros:

• Highly accurate and sensitive in giving a positive or a negative test result.
• Takes between 3-8 hrs to complete

Cons:

• Need to test in a Professional Laboratory

The treated sample is processed in an RT-PCR testing machine that puts it through heating and cooling cycles. This cycle triggers the specific chemical reactions to create and tag copies of the viral DNA. Each cycle doubles the amount of viral DNA – a process known as amplification.

Then, every copy of the viral DNA strand is tagged, and the marker releases a fluorescent dye. When the dye is present and the sample reaches a trigger level, you have a positive COVID-19 test.

The technician will record the amount of dye and the number of cycles taken to highlight the severity of the infection.

The main benefits of the RT-PCR test for detecting COVID-19 and mutant variant of COVID-19 are:

• Speed of test enables same-day results in many cases.
• Highly sensitive and explicitly identifies the virus.
• A sealed tube means less potential contamination and fewer errors.

The RT-PCR test amplifies DNA samples to detect the presence of COVID-19 better. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) is a process of tagging target DNA with a material that emits a fluorescent dye. The amount of this dye gives an identification of the presence and severity of the virus.

A mutation is nothing more than a change in the genetic code of a plant, animal, or virus. The virus life cycle is rapid, causing mutations to occur more frequently than a longer-lived animal like an elephant.

The change can be tiny – if an elephant’s ears are 1mm bigger than its parents, you will not notice, but a shift in a microscopic virus is more pronounced. Currently, the UK, South Africa, and Brazil have detected an identifiable mutant variant of Covid-19.

Before making travel arrangements, check with your travel company and destination for the precise COVID-19 testing rules and time scales. Different states and countries have slightly different regulations.

The RT-PCR test is a nucleic acid amplification test (NAATs), which is the preferred viral test for FDA, CDC, and EAU for travel.

Each assay we perform is EUA approved per FDA and CDC guidelines. Compliant with airline requirements when travelling domestically and abroad (*we recommend checking with your specific destination prior to booking an appointment).

Most airlines require a negative Covid-19 test within 1-3 days of travel. To protect yourself and others from infection, maintain sensible precautions before and after your negative test result. Check with your airline to see their COVID policy before booking any appointments. (*we recommend checking with your specific destination prior to booking an appointment).