All you need to know about testing for COVID-19

1. All you need to know about testing for COVID-19 The coronavirus pandemic that has been sweeping across the globe is something that no country was prepared for. And due to this unpreparedness, countries everywhere have been struggling to diagnose the exact number of people who have been infected and are either carriers or are symptomatic. Countries have been struggling to catch up with the development of test kits and facilities to increase testing because of limited resources and capacity. However, many countries like China, South Korea, and America, have come around. India’s government recently allowed private labs to experiment with creating kits and conduct tests to follow the World Health Organisation’s instructions to countries - to test as much as possible so that the spread could be curbed with accurate insights. With this, the numbers of those ​infected with COVID-19 in India has seen a jump in the last two weeks, and this may very well be because India has increased the number of tests being conducted. With more COVID-19 tests being administered, more of the disease is being detected, and consequently, more positive cases are coming out, increasing numbers almost tenfold. There are a number of ways the test is being conducted around the world. Many countries have taken to nasal swabbing and collecting samples of sputum through throat swabs. They have also set up drive-through testing facilities, in which you remain in your vehicle as an authorised healthcare provider in protective gear approaches to quickly collect the test sample. This enables minimal contact which is especially important to prevent the very likely possibility of the transmission of the disease. Here’s what you need to know about testing for COVID-19 in India: Wait for instructions Your doctor will tell you if you need to get tested for COVID-19 or not. If you observe any symptoms of COVID-19, such as coughing and sneezing, a fever, or distressed breathing, you should reach out to a ​general physician to speak to them regarding the same. They will inform you of whether or not you will have to get tested. Call in advance Consult with a verified list of testing centres in your city, and choose the one nearest to you. Call them in advance to let them know that you’ll be arriving to get tested, and inform them of the details, like the time and date you’ll be arriving, whether or not you suffer from any pre-existing medical conditions, as well as the name of the physician who recommended you get tested. This way, they can prepare and set up any precautionary measures in place if required.

2. Go prepared Wear a mask while you are outside, and try to wear gloves as well if you can. Pay more attention to practice all the safety measures outside, such as maintaining a distance of 3 feet from all people and avoiding touching your face. Type of test India is currently testing with a serological test, which tests for the presence of antibodies. This will help doctors and health professionals determine whether or not you have been infected from the virus earlier, or if you are still carrying the disease. Apart from all this, it’s important to understand that getting tested may be an emotional experience for many, considering the gravity of the situation and what the results could entail. Reach out to your loved ones virtually and keep them up to date with your case as things progress. Reach out to a therapist online as well to help you cope with the stress of the situation.