With international travel now open across the world once more, people are booking up trips and travelling to other countries again. Although we are all excited to go travelling once more, there are a few things that everyone should be aware of if they are visiting another country.
For one, most countries require some kind of testing before you get on your flight or even on arrival at the airport. We recently flew to Scotland and on our return flight used PCR testing at Edinburgh Airport which went very smoothly.
What Is A PCR Test?
The COVID-19 PCR test is a genetic diagnostic test that looks for the genetic code of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in your upper respiratory systems. Clinicians employ PCR technology to convert tiny quantities of RNA from samples into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is then repeated until SARS-CoV-2 is detected. Since its approval in February 2020, the PCR test has been the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19. It is precise, dependable and affordable.
Who Requires A PCR Test?
If you experience any of the following indications, your doctor may advise you to be tested for COVID-19:
- Fever or chills.
- Cough.
- Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath.
- Fatigue.
- Muscle or body aches.
- Headache.
- Loss of taste or smell.
- Sore throat.
- Congestion or runny nose.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhoea.
When you see any of the following three viral disease (COVID-19) signs, even if they are slight, obtain a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test:
- a fever
- an ongoing cough
- either lost your sense of smell or taste
COVID-19 may not present symptoms in everyone, and not everyone who is ill exhibits all of the symptoms mentioned above. When you’re feeling unwell during the COVID-19 outbreak, please see your doctor, even if you’ve been immunised.
How To Do A PCR Test?
Your test kit will come with complete directions. If you are doing the exam at a test site and need assistance, a qualified aide may assist you.
The following are the major processes in performing a PCR test:
- Hands should be washed with soap or sanitised with a hand sanitiser.
- Arrange all of the test kit’s components in a clean area.
- Blow your nose and re-wash your hands.
- Rub the throat with the swab after opening your mouth broadly. The bottom of the swab should not come into contact with your teeth, tongue, or gums.
- Insert the same swab into your nose (about 2.5cm up or until you feel some resistance).
- Screw the top tightly on the tube with the swab pointing down.
- Place the tube in the supplied bag.
Obtaining a specimen may be unpleasant and cause you to gag, but it should not harm you.
What Does The PCR Test Result Mean?
A positive test result indicates you are likely infected with SARS-CoV-2. This might be due to an asymptomatic illness, but if you have signs, it is known as COVID-19. Most individuals recover safely at home without the need for medical attention. If your symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare professional.
A negative test result indicates that you were not infected with SARS-CoV-2 when your samples were taken. However, it is conceivable to have COVID-19 yet not have the virus recognised by the test. This might happen if you were recently contaminated but haven’t yet shown symptoms — or if you’ve had COVID-19 for more than a week before getting tested. A negative screening result does not guarantee you are safe for the near future: you might be vulnerable to COVID-19 after your screening, get sick, and transmit the SARS-Cov-2 virus to others.
For example, if you get a PCR test at Edinburgh Airport, you can order your results to come the same day and if positive, you will likely be denied boarding by the airlines. Most countries and airlines will permit a 48-hour window within which you should get tested prior to flying, so by getting tested earlier you may be able to secure your chances of flying.
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