Because of the surge in covid-19 instances, it is essential to have a PCR test whether you are travelling or constantly leaving your residence and meeting new people. This is done to ensure that the virus does not transmit to you. The same is true for London; you must first undergo London PCR testing to enter their nation. So, keep reading to have a better understanding of the PCR test and its significance.
What Is A PCR Test?
To identify existing infections with Covid-19, PCR testing checks for the virus’s genetic information in the nasal, larynx, or other respiratory system parts. In most circumstances, a health professional will take a swab from the nasal passages and send it to the laboratory for testing.
What Should You Do To Prepare For The Test?
No. Unlike some other pathology tests, this one does not require any special preparation. All you have to do is go to the testing centre and complete your test.
How Long Will It Take To Get Your Results?
The results of London PCR testing can be obtained three hours after the test has been completed. You can get it right away at the testing centre, by email, or via an online platform. Furthermore, for every PCR test, they use both internal and external facilities, and they have complete control over the procedure timings once your sample has been provided.
What Should You Do If You Test Positive In London PCR Testing?
A positive PCR test means the tested person has been infected with the virus. Individuals who test positive for the first time must be isolated for at least ten days after their symptoms began, have their temperature lowered for at least 24 hours, and their symptoms improved. Still, if you don’t have any signs, you should isolate yourself for ten days after your test.
What Does a Negative PCR Test Mean?
A negative genetic test indicates the virus was not found. But, it does not exclude infections. You should maintain 14-day isolation and keep an early warning indication and symptoms of illness. If you stay symptom-free, your isolation time may be reduced from 14 to 10 days. But if a COVID-19 test yields a negative outcome, you can shorten your isolation to seven days.
Conclusion
The PCR test for COVID-19 is a molecular test that looks for the genetic material of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in your upper respiratory specimen. Small amounts of RNA from samples are amplified into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is duplicated until SARS-CoV-2 is detectable if present, using the PCR technique.
Since its approval in February 2020, the PCR test has been the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19. It’s accurate and credible. As a result, if you plan to visit London, you must be familiar with the PCR testing guidelines presented above.
