Coronavirus tests play a key role in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infections. Various types of tests are available on the market. They differ not only in the method of collecting the material for testing, but also in price. Primarily, molecular and immunological tests are used for diagnostics, although the so-called cassette tests. Check how much it costs to do a coronavirus test.

How much does the coronavirus test costdepend primarily on the type of test. The more accurate the test, the higher itsprice . There are tests that diagnose active coronavirus infection and tests that detect antibodies on the market. Depending on the type, the coronavirus test may be performed in a laboratory or medical facility. It is also possible to buy a test at a pharmacy, and even … in Biedronka.

How much does a molecular test cost?

The tests recommended by the World He alth Organization are molecular (genetic) tests based on the polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription. They are used to diagnose active coronavirus infection and allow the detection of the genetic material (RNA) of the virus.

It is a very sensitive method that allows the detection of even a small number of coronavirus particles in the tested biological material. This is by far the most accurate coronavirus diagnosis method to determine if a person is suffering from COVID-19.

However, molecular tests are not able to detect whether a he althy person has suffered from the coronavirus infection. Molecular tests are performed in a laboratory, although it is also possible to take a smear at home.

Currently there aretwo types of molecular tests for coronavirus :

  • RT-PCR test
  • and RT-LAMB (FRANKD) test

Due to their accuracy, molecular RT-PCR tests are among the most expensive tests for coronavirus. They allow to identify two genetic sequences of the virus (so-called full test).

The price of the RT-PCR test may vary depending on the place where the test is performed, but you have to take into account the cost of400 or even PLN 500 .

The FRANKD test, unlike the RT-PCR test, is performed at a constant temperature. Performing the FRANKD test allows foridentification of one genetic sequence of the virus. This means that it is easier and faster to make, and thus - cheaper. Its price is around250 PLN .

How much does an antigen test cost?

Antigen tests detect SARS-CoV-2 antigen (s) in throat or nasopharyngeal swab specimens. Compared to the PCR test, the antigen test allows you to obtain the result much faster (from 10 to 30 minutes).

Antigen tests are recommended by both the WHO and the Ministry of He alth for people with COVID-19 symptoms in order to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infection. The price of an antigen test is around$ 150 .

How much does an immunoassay cost?

Coronavirus immunological (serological) tests detect the presence of antibodies produced by the immune system after exposure to the virus. They also measure the presence of virus antigens in blood or biological material.

Antibodies are detected:

  • IgM,
  • IgA
  • and IgG.

Compared to molecular tests, immunological tests can detect whether a person has previously been infected with the coronavirus or whether they have been infected asymptomatically.

Howeverthe disadvantage of immunoassays is that they may show false positives . Therefore, it is recommended to perform a molecular test when diagnosing active infection.

Due to the lower accuracy of the results, the prices of immunoassays are much lower than those of molecular tests. Depending on where the material was collected for testing, the immunoassay costsfrom 100 to 230 PLN .

How much is a cartridge test?

In order to increase the availability of tests for coronavirus diagnosis, also cassette tests have been introduced. They belong to a type of serological test. They can be performed both at home and in a medical facility.

They use immunochromatographic methods for diagnosis. To perform the test, no nose or throat swab is taken, just a drop of blood from the finger.

However, the results of the cartridge tests are not always accurate and reliable. They are also not recommended by the WHO. Their price ranges from30-60 PLN .

How much does the Biedronka test cost?

Antibody tests from March 15th can also be purchased in the Biedronka chain of stores. These are serological tests that will not confirm whether or not we are undergoing coronavirus infection at any given time.

However, thanks to these tests, it is possible to check if we have had a recent coronavirus infection. The test detects antibodiesfighting coronaviruses - IgG and IgM.

Each customer can buy a maximum of three. One test costsPLN 49.99 .

Free Coronavirus Tests

Paid tests for the presence of coronavirus can be done privately in various types of medical facilities or laboratories. There is also the possibility of a free test.

To get a referral for a free coronavirus test , please contact your primary care physician with a prior medical history.

If the patient shows symptoms of coronavirus infection or has come into contact with an infected person, they will be referred by a doctor for a free test.

A visit to the doctor or teleportation does not have to be the only option to obtain a referral for the test. People with symptoms of coronavirus or after contact with an infected person also have the opportunity to self-qualify for a coronavirus test.

They just need to fill in theonline form , and the algorithm will use it to determine if the patient is eligible for the test.

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Category:

COVID 19