What is the RT-PCR nasal swab for Covid-19?

What is an RT-PCR test?

The real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain (RT-PCR) nasal swab test takes a sample from inside your nasal passages which is then tested for Covid-19. The sample is analyzed in a specialized laboratory and the results are generally available within 3 working days.

How is the RT-PCR test different from the rapid antigen test?

The RT-PCR test and the rapid antigen test are usually administered by nasal swab. However, these are different tests.

• The RT-PCR test looks for specific traces of the virus (genetic material) and must be sent to a laboratory for processing.

• The rapid antigen test targets viral proteins and can be processed in real time, usually within 15 minutes.

What are covid home tests and how do they work?

One of our registered nurses will bring the test to your door. They will take a sample from your nostrils. This swab will then be taken to a laboratory and tested for the presence of Covid-19. Once the analysis is complete, you will be contacted for a telephone consultation.

Our services are provided by healthcare professionals and are NOT "do-it-yourself" kits.

How is the sample collected for the Covid-19 test?

The RT-PCR test is administered through a nasal swab.

Is the RT-PCR test accurate?

The RT-PCR test is one of the most accurate tests available for Covid-19.

The RT-PCR test works by looking for the RNA of the virus. During processing, RNA is converted into DNA. This DNA is then amplified enough that the sample can be measured with a fluorescent dye. This dye reacts with DNA if present, indicating a positive test result.

In short

No RNA means no DNA to amplify, which means no fluorescence and a negative test result.

Conversely, the presence of RNA will likely result in a positive test.

Is there a homemade Covid-19 RT-PCR nasal swab?

Yes, you can get a Covid-19 RT-PCR nasal swab at home. They are available at some pharmacies and some labs can mail them directly to your home. Once the test is complete, the samples are returned to the laboratory for analysis.

Are home testing services available?

TIB Diagnostics has made the RT-PCR test for Covid-19 available at home. We send registered nurses right to your door to administer the test; they will take care of the processing and shipping involved in analyzing the test.

What about the accuracy of self-test kits?

The accuracy of these kits is variable. It is always recommended to check the kit manufacturer's website for information related to the accuracy of the RT-PCR test kit.

How much does an RT-PCR test cost?

This will depend on where the test is obtained. There are many places where you can get tested for free at state-sponsored testing sites. Costs vary by location. Check with your local test center to find out how much a test will cost you.

DIY kits can cost $199 or more. An in-home service like TIB Diagnostics costs $249, which includes professional medical care and advice.

What is the significance of the sensitivity and specificity test?

These terms refer to the threshold that a certain medical test uses to determine whether an individual is considered "ill" or "healthy". The tests are designed to have a threshold high enough to correctly identify sick people and low enough to exclude healthy people.

• The sensitivity of the test is the proportion of sick people that the test correctly identifies.

• The specificity of the test is the proportion of healthy individuals that the test correctly identifies.

High sensitivity tests are more likely to give correct results, avoiding things like false negatives and false positives. Tests with low sensitivity or specificity are more likely to give incorrect results.

What do false positives and false negatives mean?

• False Positive: The individual tests positive even though they are well. False positives sometimes occur if a person has a strain of coronavirus other than SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19).

• False negative: the individual is really sick, but the test is negative.

These two criteria, high sensitivity and specificity, are important to avoid erroneous results. False positives can lead to inflated costs, unnecessary treatments and patient worry. Since you cannot seek treatment if you received a false negative, a false negative can lead to unintended spread of disease or worsening of symptoms.

That's why TIB Diagnostics guarantees near absolute accuracy through the use of a nasal swab test with high specificity and sensitivity - we want to give you results that are as accurate as possible.