PCR Test in Dubai
PCR Test has gained sudden significance lately, especially in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic. The depressing memories of the days of pandemic are still alive. So much so that many governments require you to present a negative PCR Test Report, if you wish to travel to their country. For example, if you are travelling into Dubai for work or recreation, then you need to furnish a fresh (not done prior to 48 hours) PCR Test report* that certifies you negative of infection. There are other requirements too, that it should be in English or Arabic, and only as a hard copy. The certifying authority should also be an accredited one. Then, say, if you are travelling with your family, you need a negative PCR Test report, for each of the adult family member. Unless of course, you are flying from India, and completely vaccinated, and having authorised certificate to such effect.
What is a PCR Test?
PCR means Polymerase Chain Reaction. It’s a test to discover genetic material from a definite organism, such as a virus. The test detects the existence of a virus, in case you have the virus at the time of the test. The test could also discover fragments of the virus, even after you are no longer infected of that virus.
How PCR Test became weighty with COVID-19?
The PCR Test for COVID-19 is a molecular test that analyses your upper respiratory sample, looking for genetic material (RiboNucleic Acid or RNA) of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Scientists use the PCR technology to magnify even trifling amounts of RNA from the sample of subject or suspect into Di-oxyRiboNucleic Acid (DNA), which is simulated until SARS-CoV-2 is detected, if present in the sample. The PCR Test has been the benchmark test for establishing COVID-19 since authorised for use in February 2020. It’s been found accurate and reliable, universally. Therefore, many governments have made it a mandatory requirement, in order to grant your travel, into their territories
Steps to the COVID-19 #PCRTest:
Sample collection: A trained healthcare provider uses a swab to collect respiratory material from your nose. A swab is a soft tip on a long, flexible stick that goes into your nose to collect sample from there. There are diverse types of nose swabs, including nasal swabs that collect a sample straightaway from your nostrils and nasopharyngeal swabs that go further into the nasal cavity for sample collection. Either type of swab is sufficient for collecting material for the COVID-19 #PCRTest. After collecting sample, the swab is sealed in a tube and then sent to a laboratory.
The good news is that healthexpress sends in a trained personnel (approved by Dubai Health Authority) to collect sample, in the convenience of your home or hotel.
Extraction: Then a laboratory scientist extracts genetic material from the sample.
PCR: The PCR step then uses different chemicals and enzymes and a PCR machine called a Thermal Cycler. Each heating and cooling cycle amplifies the amount of the targeted genetic material in the sample. After many cycles, copies of a small portion of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s genetic material are detected, which is in turn interpreted as a positive test result.
In case, you go for a quick COVID-19 #PCRTest, by healthexpress, you get the results in 4-8 hours, updated on Al Hosn App with QR code and stamp.
