The most common symptoms are: fever, dry cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, muscle pain. Sometimes headache, loss of taste and smell, nasal congestion, persistent pressure in the chest and digestive symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain are also common. In severe cases it can cause pneumonia, difficulty breathing, kidney failure and even death.

PCR

The PCR test is a test that detects the presence of genetic material from Covid 19. This test replicates the virus genome through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). This test makes it possible to detect a fragment of the genetic material of a pathogen. The processing and interpretation of the samples in a microbiology laboratory is necessary and, due to its sensitivity, it is the reference test for the detection of the virus.

Antigen test

This test actively detects the presence of the infection since its function is to detect the presence of proteins in the virus. The result is obtained within a few minutes of sample collection.

Antibody test

These tests detect the different specific antibodies against the coronavirus. That is, they detect the individual's immune response against Covid 19. These tests detect the two types of antibodies: IgM and/or IgG:

IgM: immunoglobulins (antibodies). They appear in the early phase of the infection and disappear within a few weeks.

IgG: immunoglobulins (antibodies): They appear in the late phase of the infection and remain for a long time, sometimes years.

The PCR test (Polymerase Chain Reaction) allows the detection of a fragment of the genetic material of a pathogenic agent. A PCR test detects early and effectively in the early stages of the infection regardless of whether there are no symptoms or the individual is not going to develop them, as is the case with asymptomatic people.

To carry out the PCR test, a sample is collected from a nasal portion of the pharynx with a sterile rayon swab and will be subsequently analyzed in a microbiology laboratory.

A PCR test detects the genetic material of the virus from its incubation until the disappearance of symptoms. In the event that the test result is negative, it may be due to two factors: either there has been no contagion or it has been passed. In the second case, an antibody test is necessary to confirm it.

The tests that we carry out in our laboratory have a 99.9% reliability.

The time required to obtain the result of a PCR is 24 hours.

How can I get infected?

The contagion by close contact is carried out by the respiratory secretions of a person who is infected and that are generated by coughing, sneezing, talking, shouting. These secretions infect another person if they come in contact with their mouth, nose, or eyes.

How can I protect myself and others?

Prevention is the best way to prevent contagion: wear a mask covering your nose and mouth, keep a distance of one and a half meters from your contacts, ventilate closed spaces regularly and wash your hands frequently. In case of infection, quarantine should be done for ten days from the onset of symptoms and be isolated. In case of coming into contact with someone, they must wear a mask and keep a distance of two meters.