What is a PCR test and where to get tested for COVID-19 before traveling abroad

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some countries require a PCR test confirming the absence of covid disease in addition to standard entry documents.

What is a PCR test?

PCR is a test based on the principles of molecular biology, according to Medicover. Its name comes from the English term polymerase chain reaction. To conduct the test, a sample of the material to be tested is taken, then analyzed to identify specific genetic material characteristic of a particular virus.
Modern laboratory methods allow the isolation of specific viral or bacterial nucleic acid from the collected sample - DNA or RNA, which makes it possible to confirm the fact of infection in the person under test. The advantage of this test is that it detects small amounts of virus or detects virus in very small samples.

Types of PCR tests

Currently, the method recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is a molecular (genetic) test that checks whether a given sample contains SARS-CoV-2 RNA (its genetic material). Currently, there are two types of PCR tests used to confirm SARS-CoV-2 infection.

One of the tests is the FRANKD screening test. This is a RT-LAMB (reverse transcriptase-mediated isothermal amplification) PCR test. This allows you to identify one genetic sequence (unlike RT-PCR, which detects two - the so-called complete test). The test requires a swab from the throat and nose or nasopharynx, and the results are available the next day.

An RT-PCR test is also necessary in case of a positive serological test result (antibodies to SARS-CoV-2) - a negative RT-PCR result together with a positive antibody result to SARS-CoV-2 indicates a past infection.

RT-PCR results are usually available within 24-48 hours (depending on the laboratory and test option). If you have flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, consult your doctor about testing.

Is the PCR test for coronavirus accurate?

RT-PCR and PCR tests are molecular tests performed under strictly defined laboratory conditions. Today, the RT-PCR test is the only recommended method for confirming SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection (the so-called gold standard), recognized by the WHO and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. The test is characterized by high sensitivity and specificity, although false negatives (a negative test result despite infection) can occur if the amount of genetic material is insufficient or the time window for performance is missed (approximately the first 2 weeks after infection). Although the incubation period of COVID-19 is estimated to be approximately 5 days, it is possible to get a false negative result within the first 7 days of infection.

Where to make

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has provided clarification on PCR tests before traveling to other countries.

The PCR test certificate must be issued by a laboratory registered in Ukraine in accordance with the current legislation and must contain

• laboratory seal;
• a doctor's signature and/or QR code;
• a translation into a foreign language, usually English, specified by the country of destination.

The list of Ukrainian laboratories verified by the Ministry of Health that test for COVID-19 by PCR is available at https://cutt.ly/vQP7Zd3.

The following laboratories are verified in Odesa region:

• State Institution "Odesa Laboratory of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine".
• Artmedius LLC.
• PE "Medical Laboratory Simesta".
• Smartlab LLC.
• State Institution "Laboratory Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine on Water Transport".
• Odesa Regional Center for Socially Significant Diseases of the Odesa Regional Council.
• Military Medical Clinical Center of the Southern Region.

Answers to other frequently asked questions about traveling in 2021 at https://cutt.ly/8mOax7X

We remind you that you can check the current entry regime to any country in the world simply and easily using our interactive map https://tripadvisor.mfa.gov.ua

Ігор Льов