Covid-19 tests are now available for both PCR tests (known as RT-PCR) and Rapid Antigen Tests (ATK or Antigen Test Kit) to detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
RT-PCR or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, converts viral RNA to DNA and amplifies the genetic sequence. Because the test can amplify tiny amounts of viral genetic material, it’s considered the gold standard and can detect infection in earlier stages than rapid antigen tests.
RT-PCR tests are available from Hua Hin’s Be Well Medical Centre from 4th March 2022.
Rapid Antigen Tests (ATK) detect viral proteins, the proteins bind in the solution to antibodies that become fluorescent to indicate the presence of the proteins.
Rapid Antigen Tests (ATK) Are:
- quicker than PCR tests (15-20 minutes) versus hours to days to get a result.
- less invasive and can be completed in the home rather than being analysed in a laboratory.
- less sensitive than a PCR test because there is no amplification process.
While both tests are more likely to correctly detect an infection when the person’s viral load is high, PCR tests are more sensitive than rapid antigen tests.
A study comparing the sensitivity of one type of rapid antigen test compared to a PCR test, found 77% of positive antigen test results aligned with PCR test results. This rose to 100% when people were tested within a week of the onset of symptoms.
AN RT-PCR test is recommended when you:
- have COVID symptoms
- have a known exposure to someone with COVID
- do a rapid antigen test and get a positive result, as PCR confirmation is required
Consider a Rapid Antigen Test (ATK) if you:
- are planning to visit a sensitive site (for example, an aged care facility)
- are planning to have contact with someone at high risk from COVID (for example, an elderly person or someone on immunosuppressive treatment), and you want to protect them
- have COVID symptoms but can’t get to a PCR testing site
- are going to an event where lots of people will be mixing, particularly if it’s being held indoors where the risk of transmission is considerably higher
- want to quickly check whether you might have an infection
- are part of a regular COVID surveillance program
The rapid antigen test is considered to be a screening tool. In other words, it can indicate that you might be infected, but a PCR test is needed to confirm the result. While a negative rapid antigen test result is not a guarantee that you aren’t infected, it does provide more protection for your contacts than not testing.
RT-PCR TESTS AT THE BE WELL MEDICAL CENTRE
The Be Well Medical Centre in cooperation with Meditop, an international lab technology company, has now established a RT-PCR test lab in its premises at Banyan. The aim is to provide residents and visitors in the Hua Hin area cost-competitive PCR test facilities with fast results.
The lab will open from Friday 4th March 2022 at the former Banyan Resort restaurant building, neighboring the Be Well clinic with an outdoor waiting room and test booths. The test centre is open daily from 8am to 8pm.
Tests can also be conducted at the Be Well clinic at Black Mountain, weekdays from 8am – 10am and 2pm – 5pm.
Processing Time
Samples taken before 11am – the result is received by 3pm the same day.
Samples taken between 11am and 6.30pm – the result is received by 10pm the same day.
Samples taken after 6.30pm – the result is received by 9am the next day.
Note: These process times apply everyday except Monday, when a same day result is only available for tests taken before 11am.
The price for a RT-PCR test including a medical certificate will be THB 1,950.
In case of a positive result, Be Well will advise on adequate and compliant measures for self-isolation, quarantine or hospitalisation depending on the medical condition and personal situation of the patient.
Reservations can be made directly by email (info@bewell.co.th) or for more information by phone: 02 111 6644.
