Where To Get PCR Test In South Africa
What is PCR Test?
PCR means polymerase chain reaction. It’s a test to detect genetic material from a specific organism, such as a virus. The test detects the presence of a virus if you have the virus at the time of the test. The test could also detect fragments of the virus even after you are no longer infected.
Where To Get PCR Test In South Africa
Air France and KLM will now offer discounted rates for PCR testing in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Depending on the final destination of travel, a negative PCR test is still a requirement. In light of this, Air France and KLM have partnered with two medical laboratories and can now offer their services at a reduced rate. In order to benefit from this discounted rate, please contact one of the suppliers below and present your Air France or KLM ticket. Whilst we can confidently offer the services of our partners, the choice of testing laboratory is yours to decide and we will accept PCR tests from any accredited laboratory.
TRAVAC is a mobile travel clinic, which has been in operation for 12 years. Due to Covid-19 travel requirements, they expanded to offer PCR testing at home or offices. They come to you at a significantly discounted rate. Sample collections are done from 07:00 to 14:00 seven days a week. Test results will be delivered by 21:00 the same day. The laboratory will send a text message (SMS) with the test results followed by an e-mail. All results are QR coded and are verified by a PDF document, which can be downloaded.
Contact number to book an appointment: 073 756 9509 or 078 802 7311
Website: www.travac.co.za
Travac Discounted rates for Air France-KLM passengers:
- PCR test: ZAR 650.00 per person
- Antigen test: ZAR 350.00 per person
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
How is a PCR test done?
A healthcare worker will take a sample from inside the back of your throat and nose using a swab. This may be uncomfortable but it won’t be painful. Children under 13 years old will only need to give a nasal swab sample. We will send your sample to a lab for testing.
What is the difference between a diagnostic test and an antibody test?
A diagnostic test, sometimes called a “viral test,” looks for signs that you have a current infection. An antibody test, or “serology test,” can show that you were previously infected with the virus or vaccinated against the virus.
How do we measure test accuracy?
When we measure the accuracy of a laboratory test, we’re actually measuring two different types of accuracy:
- The test’s sensitivity is its ability to correctly indicate when an individual is currently infected (for a diagnostic case) or has has antibodies to the virus (for an antibody test).
- The test’s specificity is its ability to correctly indicate when an individual is not infected (for a diagnostic test) or doesn’t have antibodies (for an antibody test).
A test that is very sensitive is less likely to give false-negative results, and a test that is highly specific is less likely to give false positives.
What is a “false negative?”
A false negative is a test result that is wrong, because it indicates the person is not infected when they really are, or that they don’t have antibodies when they actually do.
How does the diagnostic test work?
The test most commonly used to diagnose COVID-19 is a molecular test, or PCR test. It works by detecting genetic material from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. When someone is infected, they have this genetic material in their nose and upper throat. The test uses a sample that is collected with a swab from an area of the nasal passage where viral particles are likely to be present.
Does MIT Medical provide diagnostic testing for COVID-19?
Yes, MIT Medical is using a diagnostic test that uses a sampling technique known as an “anterior nares specimen.” This is a less invasive and more comfortable procedure than the “deep nasal swab.” If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to know if you should be tested, call your medical provider directly and get advice about what to do next.
Who should get tested?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you may need to be tested. Contact your own primary care provider for advice on what to do next.
How accurate is the diagnostic test for COVID-19?
The PCR test for COVID-19 works by detecting genetic material from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 cannot be confused with the genetic material from other viruses, so the COVID-19 diagnostic test is highly specific. This means it almost never gives a false positive. If you are tested for COVID-19, and the test comes back positive, you can be very sure that you are infected with this virus. The new antigen test for COVID-19 is also very specific and rarely gives a false positive.