The Ministry of Public Health has updated its COVID-19 testing protocol and approved antibody and antigen tests to be performed in the private healthcare sector.
MOPH updated COVID-19 testing protocol and approved two new tests for private healthcare sector.
Three COVID-1 9 tests are now available at approved private hospitals and clinics:
Rapid antigen testing
• Offers a fast and reasonably accurate screening test to detect COVID-19 virus antigens in the individual.
• The test can be used for a range of uses including triaging patients with respiratory symptoms presenting to clinics, and prior to hospital admission for minor procedures.
• Requires a nasal swab to be taken from the individual and the results are usually available within 15 minutes.
Antibody testing (Rapid, Anti-N and Anti-S assays)
• Designed to demonstrate immunity against COVID-19 as a result of a previous infection or vaccination.
• These tests can be done in private clinics by nurses, physicians, or other healthcare providers.
• Requires a blood drop to be taken from the individual and the results are usually available within 15 minutes
Pol merase chain reaction (PCR) testing
• For screening of asymptomatic people or patients or patients presenting with COVID-19 like symptoms or other respiratory symptoms.
• It can detect COVID-19 virus in the early acute infectious stage of the infection and during the prolonged shedding stage that is often found in recovering patients.
• Currently, PCR tests are required prior to travel, before major hospital procedures and for confirmation of infection following a positive rapid antigen test
• PCR testing is considered the golden standard test in diagnosing acute infection with COVID-19
