Delivering test results
The testing must be done by staff who are trained and skilled in the meticulous process of doing the swab test, running the PCR machines and analysing the resulting data.
It is also important that the lab is equipped for safety and prevention of cross-contamination.
For example, the lab should have a negative pressure system, a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter and UV (ultra-violet) bulbs for sterilisation.
And all infectious procedures should be carried out in a validated biosafety cabinet.
Covid-19 safety protocols must also be strictly adhered to.
The designated area for testing needs to be disinfected after each procedure, in strict accordance with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Guidelines in Safety Protocol for Covid-19.
Patient samples including the primary tubes, deactivated samples and RNA need to be kept at the required temperatures for a week before disposal.
All contaminated wastes should be disposed in double biohazard bags, sealed and discarded in a designated waste bin for Covid-19.
Aside from the WHO Guidelines, the Health Ministry and Institute Medical Research (IMR) have also set up a national guideline that needs to be followed when dealing with Covid-19 samples.
Positive or negative
A positive test result means that the sample swab contains RNA evidence that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is present.
As such, the person the swab was taken from is presumed to be contagious.
A negative test result means that there was no evidence of the virus’
RNA in the sample.
However, a negative result does not completely rule out Covid-19 and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions.
Any positive results should be delivered by a doctor, so that he is able to advise the patient of their options.
The private hospital will also inform the District Health Office, as well as the designated Covid-19 admitting public hospital, to help coordinate the admission of the patient to the hospital.
Swab vs blood
As the nasal and throat swab test detects the presence of the SARSCov-2’s viral RNA, it is a much more definitive indicator that the patient has an active Covid-19 infection (at the time the swab was taken).
This is a vital to identify, isolate and treat Covid-19 patients.
It is also an essential tool to screen a Covid-19 patient’s contacts, who might have been exposed and infected by the patient before diagnosis.
A blood test on the other hand detects the presence of viral antibodies.
This indicates that a patient has developed antibodies as a result of a Covid-19 infection, but doesn’t tell whether the infection is current or in the past.
Greg Brown is the group chief executive officer of Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care. For more information, email starhealth@ thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.