![]() ![]() ![]() The LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) test is a form of testing in which small fragments of genetic material are copied or replicated, similar to the PCR test. That is why a TMA test cannot be used to determine the Ct value. A TMA test uses a different measuring method than the PCR, expressed in Relative Light Units (RLU). A TMA test also detects the presence of amplified genetic material from SARS-CoV-2. TMA testįor a TMA (Transcription Mediated Amplification) test, a sample is taken using the same method as the PCR test, and then processed in a laboratory. That is why a PCR test result always takes a little longer (at least a few hours). A lower Ct value means that there is more virus present in the specimen. If the virus is present in higher levels, it will take fewer amplification cycles to reach that cycle threshold. The ‘Cycle threshold’ or Ct value is the number of amplification cycles required to detect the first signal that the virus is present. During each cycle, the genetic material doubles in volume this continues until it is detected by the PCR device. The genetic material is copied in different rounds or ‘cycles’. That means that the test cannot give a positive result for other viruses, such as those that cause the flu or the common cold. This fragment of genetic material is specific to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. To ensure that the test will be as sensitive as possible, a specific fragment of the genetic material is amplified (copied) using the polymerase chain reaction method, known as PCR. That means that the PCR test also detects the virus in someone who has a low viral load, either because they are not carrying much of the virus yet, or they no longer have much virus left in their body. That is why the PCR test has a high test sensitivity. In the PCR test, a small fragment of genetic material inside the virus is replicated repeatedly, in order to detect the presence of the virus even in very small quantities. This sample goes to a laboratory, where research is done to check for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. To perform this test, a smear is taken from the nose and throat with a cotton swab. The PCR test detects specific fragments of genetic material from the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The polymerase chain reaction test or “PCR test” Due to the testing technique, the tests in the NAAT category are generally more sensitive than the rapid antigen tests (which includes self-tests). The category of tests known as NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) includes the PCR test, the TMA test and the LAMP test. Which types of COVID-19 tests are there, and what do they tell us? NAAT category You should phone your GP if your breathing changes or becomes difficult, or your cough gets worse.Various types of tests have been used over the past few years to detect a SARS-CoV-2 infection. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 do not go to the GP clinic. If you are a private patient, you will have to pay a fee. If you have a medical card or GP visit card this will be free. If you are a vulnerable patient, your GP may test you for COVID-19 at their clinic. Your GP will no longer refer you to a PCR test centre. If you need a letter for travel, you need to have a negative test from a private company. Airlines will not accept a HSE test result for travel. Can I get a COVID-19 test for travelling?ĬOVID-19 tests for travel abroad are not provided in the public health system. The HSE has information about testing for healthcare workers. The HSE has instructions on how to do an antigen test at home and a video on how to do an antigen test with a child. You can buy antigen tests in most pharmacies and many supermarkets if you wish to take a test. You should contact your GP if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and an underlying condition which puts you at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Read about what you should do if you have symptoms of COVID-19. You do not need to get a COVID-19 test unless your GP or a healthcare worker in a hospital advises you to be tested. ![]()
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