Different Covid Tests Explained

WHAT COVID-19 TESTS

ARE AVAILABLE ON THE COAST?

If you are planning on travelling abroad, then you are probably aware that you need to obtain an EU Digital COVID Certificate – a digital document stating you have been vaccinated against COVID-19, recovered from the virus, or obtained a negative test result. Even if you aren’t travelling, you may wish to get tested to ensure you isolate if you obtain a positive result. What tests are available on the Coast and which should you opt for?

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

WHO SHOULD TAKE A TEST?

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 then testing is key but if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, do you have the obligation to get tested as well? According to the Spanish government, testing for close contacts of someone with a positive result is not required. Rather, close contacts should remain at home for 10 days, calling Tel: 900 400 061 if they develop symptoms during this time.

HOME TESTING

If you live with other people, knowing whether or not you are positive is important. The UK government actually recommends regular testing because about one in three people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic but can still infect others. The Spanish Ministry of Health has approved the sale of rapid antigen tests and serological tests in pharmacies for home use. This is a big step forward, but you should bear in mind that these tests are less accurate than those carried out in labs.

WHICH TESTS CAN YOU HAVE?

Various tests are currently available without a medical prescription at a number of clinics – Quirónsalud,

HC Marbella, Helicópteros Sanitarios, Clínica del Río and Xanit Hospitals to name a few, but you can also go directly to a large laboratory such as Synlab. Some private insurers (such as Sanitas and Adeslas) offer clients complete COVID-19 (PCR + serology) examinations, which will tell you if you are infected, have had the virus in the past, and whether you have acquired natural immunity.

THE RANGE OF AVAILABLE

COVID-19 TESTS INCLUDE:

Z PCR: This antigen test (which works by amplifying DNA) tells you if you currently have the virus in your system and is generally prescribed for those with active symptoms though anybody can pay to have it. It involves taking a nasopharyngeal sample, with results available in 24 to 48 hours.

Price: Approximately €100.

Z TMA: This test tells you if you currently have the virus. Like the PCR, it looks for genetic material from the coronavirus. It requires a nasal swab and provides your results in just two hours.

Price: Approximately €100. Price: Approximately €135.

Z Rapid Antigen Test (or Lateral Flow Test): This antigen test, taken via a nasal swab, is indicated for people who have no symptoms but have been in close contact with someone who is positive. It informs you if you are currently positive and results are available in as little as 15 minutes. The lateral flow test involves inserting the swab with the sample taken into a liquid, then running the liquid along an absorbent pad. If viral proteins are present, a coloured line will appear. It is important to note that this test cannot distinguish between those who were infected (but who are no longer transmitting the virus) and those who are still infectious.

Price: Approximately €39.

Z Quick Serology or Antibody Test: Taken via a small amount of blood to detect the presence of viral proteins, the quick serology/antibody tests offer results in 10 minutes telling you if you have had a COVID-19 infection in the past. Antibodies can take one to three weeks to develop so even someone with negative results could still have been infected.

Price: Approximately €40.

RT-LAMP: This test multiplies specific sequences of RNA of the coronavirus, which are then made into ‘copy DNA’ and amplified. It involves studying a saliva sample (2ml) taken before one brushes one’s teeth or an hour after eating or drinking. The RT-LAMP test is another quick alternative to the PCR and it delivers results in 90 minutes.

TRAVELLING WITH THE EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE

The plan was that if you are vaccinated and able to obtain the corresponding EU Digital COVID Certificate, you could be free of restrictions on travel to all member states of the EU – including the need to quarantine,, but a new serge of infections and rapid spread of specific variants have prompted some countries to make additional requirements that change weekly and depend on the destination. Checking government websites about current rules at the time of travel is essential.

WHICH TEST DO YOU NEED TO TRAVEL TO SPAIN?

Spain categorises countries based on their level of spread and when travelling from one that carries a high-risk, testing is required. Various tests are accepted, including PCRs, TMAs, and RT-LAMPs carried out within 72 hours prior to arrival and the rapid antigen tests done within 48 hours before arrival. The UK accepts the same tests as Spain, which you must take even if you have been fully vaccinated or you are travelling from a ‘green list’ country.

OBTAINING THE EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE

In Andalusia, if you are vaccinated or have recovered from COVID and have an official PCR test to prove this, you can obtain your EU Digital COVID Certificate from ClicSalud+

at www.sspa.juntadeandalucia.es/

servicioandaluzdesalud. For this option, please note that you need to be enrolled in the Spanish social security system and have digital access to the platform. If you are only presenting a test for your travel, the certificate will be provided directly by the laboratory with a validating QR code. Before booking an appointment, check with the clinic of your choice that they do provide the QR code on the test results. e

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