PCR Test

Table of contents

PCR Test - what is it and how the test is done

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for Covid is a test that helps analyse whether a person is suffering from Covid infection or not.

The PCR Test for Covid is so far considered to be the gold standard for the detection of the virus itself. It is a very reliable and authentic test popularly used to test people worldwide.

This test is a molecular test that works on the principle of detecting the RNA that causes Covid.

It is performed by taking a nasopharyngeal swab inserted deep into the nasal cavity to collect the sample. The collected sample from the swab is then manipulated to extract its genetic material.

Suppose the sample contains the required genetic material (RNA). In that case, it is said to be a positive sample; thus, the person is labelled as a COVID-positive patient.

It is usually recommended that a person gets their PCR test done if they have developed any of the following symptoms:

  • Fever with chills
  • Cough
  • Congestion
  • Shortness of breath
  • Muscular or body aches
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea or vomiting.

Common conditions covered by a Covid PCR Test

COVID-19 Influenza SARS-CoV-2 Sore throat Fever

Where to get a PCR Covid Test in Italy

PCR Test at-Home and Self Tests

PCR Test FAQs

RT-PCR or NAAT test is the gold standard for COVID19 infection as it is a diagnostic test to check the current disorder. This test detects the COVID19 RNA in samples.

A nasopharyngeal swab is inserted deep into the nasal cavity to collect the sample. The collected sample from the swab is then manipulated to extract its genetic material. The tested person may cough or gag during swab insertion, which involves discomfort.

Persons have telltale signs of COVID 19 infection such as fever, fatigue, cough, and loss of smell or taste. Such persons should self-quarantine and await PCR results.

RTPCR is highly specific for the COVID19 virus, and its results are hardly false positives. This diagnostic is very reliable and authentic. Individuals may test positive for weeks or even months after their first positive test even though they are not infectious. Repeat testing after the first positive test is not indicated.

A positive PCR/NAAT result indicates that viral RNA is present in the sample. Positive results should be treated as if someone is infectious, with isolation to prevent spread and providing adequate clinical care if symptoms warrant it.

The RT-PCR antigen test (Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) is the standard gold method to quickly and accurately identify any traces of Covid-19 current infection in the body. This is the most common type of test used to prove that you are currently infected when travelling abroad. These tests require a swab, which can be self-administered or performed by a healthcare professional. These swabs are then sent to a specialised laboratory which can often return results in less than 24 hours.

Some PCR test to detect the Coronavirus infection may require only a few hours to produce results if samples are tested on-site, or it may take a few days if the samples are sent elsewhere for testing. On average, you can expect to receive the results of an RT-PCR test within 2-5 days. On faiuntestevai.it we try to provide guidance on timelines that each laboratory and pharmacy offers.

If you want to do a private test, you can find laboratories or pharmacies in Italy that offers this service. On faiuntestevai.it we have over 4,000 centres throughout Italy offering different types of Covid-19 tests, including PCR tests.

As for the cost of other medical services, the prices for a 19-Covid Private molecular test can vary from place to place. In some cases, the price is set by the regions in which the structure performs the test. On average, the cost you can get around 60 € - 80 €. At faiuntestevai.it we try to provide cost information for test centres included on our platform.

Access to tests that detect infection from Covid-19 in Italy vary from region to region. On faintestevai.it you can find laboratories and pharmacies throughout Italy which carried out the tests and you can filter by requirements, test types and results languages.