While many opt to do the 15 – 30 minutes Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test for COVID-19, the PCR test is currently recognized as the most accurate and reliable test for diagnosing COVID-19. Curious to Know why? Read this 5 minutes blog titled ” PCR testing in Uganda”.
In this article you will learn a lot about PCR testing in Uganda, the Cost of a PCR test in Uganda, where to do a PCR test in Uganda, and why the PCR test is a much more trusted test over the Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT).
PCR testing in Uganda – The frequently Asked Questions
What is PCR?
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is performed to detect genetic material from a specific organism, such as a virus. The test detects the presence of a virus if you are infected at the time of the test. The test could also detect fragments of virus even after you are no longer infected.
What is a COVID-19 PCR test?
A PCR test for COVID-19 is a test done to diagnosis if anyone is infected with the SARS-CoV-2 also known as Coronavirus or COVID-19. The PCR test remains the only internationally recognized diagnosis test for COVID-19.
How about the Antigen RDT test?
The Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test (Ag-RDT) is also a nose swab test carried out on an individual to ascertain if they are infected with the SARS-CoV-2 that is commonly known as COVID-19. The antigen detection rapid diagnostic test (Ag-RDT) directly detects viral proteins or antigen of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in respiratory samples using a method of lateral flow immunoassay. While this test is currently the cheapest nd may in some instances be done at no cost, the results can not be trusted.
How does the PCR test compare to the RDT test?
Basically, there are two (02) types of COVID-19 diagnosis tests in Uganda; the PCR & the RDT.
- PCR test: This tests for the presence of the actual virus’s genetic material or its fragments as it breaks down. This is the most reliable and accurate test for detecting active infection.
- RDT Antigen test: This test detects bits of proteins on the surface of the virus called antigens. The RDT Antigen test is a quick/rapid test that gives results in only 15 to 30 minutes but is considered less accurate than a PCR test. Rapid antigen tests are most accurate when used within a few days of the start of your symptoms, which is when the largest amount of virus is present in your body. Because this test is not as accurate as a PCR test, if an antigen test is negative, your healthcare provider may order a PCR test to confirm the negative test result. So we like to advise our clients and any other traveler to straight away do the PCR test (most accurate) as opposed to the RDT antigen test (less accurate).
Where Can i do a PCR test in Uganda?
There quite a few accredited Laboratories that have be cleared by Government in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to carry out COVID-19 PCR testing in Uganda. These include;
1. Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI)
2. Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL)
3. Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) Laboratory
4. Makerere University
5. Mild May Laboratory
6. Tororo Mobile laboratory
7. Mutukula Mobile laboratory
8. Adjumani Mobile laboratory
9. Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC)
10. Lancet laboratories
11. MBN Laboratory
12. Medipal International Hospital
13. Test and Fly Laboratory
14. Uganda Cancer Institute, Fred Hutchison Laboratory
15. IOM Laboratory
How much is a PCR test in Uganda?
The price for the COVID-19 PCR test varies from Place to Place but generally speaking, the PCR test costs between $65 to $150 per person and the results from the test should be received within 4 – 12 hours.
What do i do if my PCR is Positive?
Getting positive test results means that it is very likely that you have COVID-19. Most people usually manifest mild illness and can recover safely at home without medical care. However, should symptoms persist, we recommend contacting your healthcare provider.
The CDC says you may have coronavirus if you have these symptoms or combination of symptoms:
- Fever or chills.
- Cough.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Tiredness.
- Muscle or body aches.
- Headaches.
- New loss of taste or smell.
- Sore throat.
- Congestion or runny nose.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
Additional symptoms are possible.
Symptoms may appear between two and 14 days after exposure to the virus. Children have similar, but usually milder, symptoms than adults. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes are at higher risk of more serious complication from COVID-19.
Contact your Medical service provider if you have these DANGEROUS signs;
- Trouble breathing.
- Persistent pain or pressure in your chest.
- New confusion.
- Inability to arouse (wake up from sleep).
- Bluish lips or face.
