The result, which allows you to directly detect the presence of the virus and the antibodies developed, is available already after 15 minutes from the examination. It will be sufficient to book in one of the participating pharmacies in your area of residence (by telephone to your pharmacist or in person), and perform the test based on immunochromatography.
A lancing device, such as those used for blood glucose control, is used, a drop of blood is poured onto a strip of cellulose, and the reaction is waited: if c "is positive, two lines are stained, which correspond to the presence of IgG antibodies or IgM. It is useful to remember that, unlike the swab, the serological test is a quantitative test, ie it reveals the presence or absence of antibodies, and therefore whether the subject has contracted the virus in the past, not if it is currently positive.
The test is carried out in a few minutes and no special timetables or indications are required for its execution. In the case of minors, a parent or guardian must give their consent and be present at the time of the check, which will always take place in compliance with all safety measures, from the obligatory and correct use of the mask to the hand sanitation at the entrance. , from controlling body temperature, to distancing.
For adults, it is sufficient to fill in a self-certification certifying that you are eligible for the test.
2019-nCoV: A colored line will appear in the IgG test line region and, based on the reaction of the anti-human IgM component coated in the IgM test line region, if the sample contains 2019-nCoV IgM antibodies, a colored line will appear in the "IgM test line area.
IgM antibodies appear a few days after the onset of the disease and then disappear, while IgG antibodies are persistent and are detected even if the virus is no longer present in the mucous membranes.
Free pulse oximeters are now available in pharmacies for some categories.
. It is a particularly good and easy-to-read tool for preliminary investigations. The search for IgG antibodies, moreover, can give information on the number of patients who have contracted the Coronavirus and are cured: in this case the subjects are negative for the nasopharyngeal swab, as the infection has been resolved. The serological test does not however, it can be used alone as an anti-contagion protocol as it cannot detect whether the patient has contracted the virus in a recent period of time.The swab, on the other hand, directly detects the presence of the virus at the moment of execution, and is the only reliable tool for a diagnostic evaluation. Serological tests, on the other hand, highlight the response of the immune system to COVID-19 infection. It is important to underline that immunological tests do not reveal in any way the contagiousness of the individual. , counteracting the emergence of outbreaks.
Further information and updates on 2019-nCov
For more detailed information on the new Coronavirus, on correct prevention, on infections in Italy, on the rules to be respected and on the quarantine procedures, we recommend reading the dedicated articles:
- Coronavirus 2019-nCoV: How to Recognize the First Symptoms and What to Do
- New Coronavirus: Rules to Follow
- Coronavirus: how to prevent the risk of contagion from 2019 nCoV
- New Coronavirus vaccine: updates
- Coronavirus: prevention and updates on the 2019 nCoV infection in Italy
- Coronavirus and SARS: similarities and differences on infection and transmission of the virus
- Maskne or Acne da Mask: What is it? Why does it manifest itself?
- Templates: Comparative Types, Functions and Methods of Use
- Physical Activity and Masks
