Important notice
Before sampling:
- do not eat 4 hours before sampling
- do not wash your teeth, do not use mouthwash, do not eat candy, do not chew gum
- drink still water and only in case of severe thirst- this should preferably be avoided 4 hours before the test
If you do not follow the above-mentioned restrictions we are unable to perform the sampling and the fee will not be refunded.
In case of cancellation, we will not be able to refund the fee unless the first PCR test result is positive and the second test will be performed by the authorities. The result will be sent electronically in 24 hours.
The basic principle of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) used for testing is that a specific piece of viral genetic material is recognized and amplified by molecular reactions, thus reaching an amount from which the presence of the virus can be determined with 95% confidence. The more viral material in the sample, the greater the chance that the procedure will be successful, ie the greater the chance that the test will be positive if the virus is present in the body.
With this test, we can detect the virus in the cells taken from the mucous membranes of the pharynx and nose. To do this, a stick is pressed against the pharyngeal wall and the back of the nasal passage, and a sample is taken from here. This sample is washed in a test tube containing a virus-transport liquid. The fluid, which is basically a medium for the virus, also contains antibiotics and antifungal agents to kill bacteria and fungi
This test tube is shipped to a partner microbiological laboratory, where the viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) is tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), if result is positive it is proven the presence of the virus hence the infection and contagiousness also proven
PCR can be used for virus identification, after the day of infection
- after the initial days of the incubation period (1-14 days, in average 5 days)
- during the symptomatic period – to the best of our knowledge today – after the termination of the disease, that is, up to two weeks after becoming asymptomatic
It is better to know this is not a flawless medical testing. If the sampling and the whole measurement process is carried out perfectly, the accuracy can reach higher than 95%. If the test shows positive result, then it is a reliable indicator of the presence of virus and contagiousness of the patient.
When does it make sense to have a PCR test done?
PCR tests should be done in between the 3rd-5th and 30th days of the suspected infection.
If this early test doesn’t detect the virus, but later the COVID-19 surfaces or the IgM/IgG serology tests show antibodies formation (IgM alone or with IgG together), then it should PCR tests redone for 48 hours later.
If this early test detects the virus, then those patents with proven record of the disease, once the patient becomes symptom free the PCR test should be repeated. If this new test doesn’t detect the virus, then the next day PCR test must be repeated. If both PCR test are negative, then the contagiousness can be regarded as terminated. At the same time when the PCR test is done upon the termination of symptoms, IgM/IgM test (quick test) should be carried out to check the immune response.
In some people, there is a virus in the circulation for about 2 weeks after the onset of the disease, i.e. after it has become asymptomatic, which can be observed and monitored by further PCR tests. Some literature data suggest that virus hosts no longer transmit the infection during this period. Nevertheless, those who required hospital treatment for their illness and released to home after 2 negative PCR results should spend another 2 weeks in a quarantine at home.
Who should have a PCR test done?
Many infected shows no symptoms at all, thus having no awareness of their contagiousness. In such cases, it is their data history -specifically an obvious possibility of their contracting the virus (such as contacts to patients with coronavirus, etc.)- that determines the type of test applicable for proving or excluding the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
1, If infection – based on the detailed analysis of the medical data history – is presumably happened within 2 weeks, the PCR test is the best for detection even if the cost is higher.
2, To whom, the IgM/IgG serology test (quick test) shows positive result, thus it is suspected that the patient is infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus end the virus is still in the body.
3, For those planning to travel abroad and the test result is requested by foreign country.
4, For those, who think they are infected, for example because they have been in contact with people, theirs body fluid, contaminated clothes or objects, provided that such contact was within 30 days.
5, For a person who has worked in the health industry (hospitals etc) without the proper non-damaged protective equipment or this protective equipment got damaged during at work, in the last 30 days.
6, A person who has been in contact with many guests at a non-health care provider without proper protective equipment or in protective equipment damaged at work.
How to apply for the test?
Please fill in the questionnaire by clicking on the link below:
Test price: 19.500 HUF
In case of cancellation, we will not be able to refund the amount paid.
If families are applying, please complete each family member and submit the application form!
Companies / organizations should register separately – without filling in the form – at the e-mail address cegesszures@kelen.hu.
Who should not apply for PCR testing?
- A person in whom this viral infection has already been clearly confirmed by PCR and 30 days have elapsed since the confirmatory examination.
- A person who had an IgM / IgG serological test showing only IgG antibody and had 3 weeks passed since that test.
- If the suspected infection has been present for at least 14 days, it is advisable to start with the cheaper IgM / IgG test first and then decide on the indication of PCR in the light of the result.
- If the infection probably occurred earlier than 8 weeks, PCR is unnecessary, if it is only older than 6 weeks, it should be considered, but it is still worth starting the IgM / IgG test.
If you choose to apply for the PCR test in the light of the above, we will proceed as follows:
After proper preparation – the essence of the preparation is that before the sampling:
- do not eat for at least 4 hours before sampling
- do not brush your teeth, do not use mouthwash, do not suck on candy, do not chew chewing gum
- only drink clean water, even in case of severe thirst – to avoid the last point drink plenty of water before the 6 hour period
1, At the agreed time, you should arrive at the lock at the entrance of Kelen Hospital without an escort and bag. Strict adherence to the schedule is important so that you do not have to meet other potentially infectious people. Your temperature is measured. You are given protective gear; we will help you to get dressed. sanitizer to disinfect your hands, and. You are only allowed to enter the reception area in protective gear on condition your body temperature proved normal. Please blow your nose before putting on the mask, then we give you sanitizer to disinfect your hands.
2, We check your personal data and the questioner (you filled out through Kelen’s website) at the reception desk. Should you have any further questions regarding the read and signed Statement of Consent, our patient coordinator will be happy to answer them for you.
3, We print the Statement of Consent and the Privacy Notice, which you then sign.
4, Our coordinator will accompany you to the examination room, where you can get seated after washing your hands.
5, Kelen Hospital assistant trained for this examination will take sample of the pharynx and nasal mucosa. Sampling should be done vigorously in order to include the cells from the mucosa.
6, At the end of the test, please dispose of your protective gear, with the exception of your mask, leaving it in the container beside the exit. You may exit the building through the designated door, which you will be shown by the coordinator.
7, The sample will be forwarded to an accredited microbiology laboratory affiliated with Kelen Hospital, without your personal information, using a unique identifier that we have generated, where the sample will be tested by PCR to identify the SARS CoV-2 virus-specific nucleic acid segments
8, The microbiology laboratory uses the samples obtained up to 4 times during the pre-screening and then destroys them. The results will be evaluated by a qualified biologist and reported to Kelen Hospital. Kelen Hospital will notify you electronically of the results within three working days.
What could be the result of the PCR test?
1, positive: the virus is detectable, you are contagious. If you are in good condition, inform your GP by phone and be at home in quarantine. Kelen Hospital notifies the Public Health Department of the Government in accordance with the epidemiological procedure, which orders quarantine.
2, positive: the virus is detectable, you are contagious. If you are not feeling well, you can notify your GP by phone, who will take care of a transport to a hospital. If this does not work, call our reception on 0612050205.
3, negative: the virus is not detectable.
The decision must be made about the next steps, in the knowledge of the following data:
a, If you are tested for the first time after a new coronavirus disease, the second test should be performed the day after the result is reported.
b, If you are tested for the second time after a new coronavirus disease, you are past the disease, to the best of our knowledge, you are not contagious. If the recommended serological test does not show IgM antibodies, but IgG can be detected, you are protected to the best of our knowledge.
What adverse reactions are to be expected?
1, Sampling is uncomfortable, can cause vomiturition, and is very rarely could be painful
2, The sampling site may bleed temporarily. This is mainly done if you are taking an anticoagulant, an inhibitor of platelet aggregation. With this in mind, please list all your medicines on the questionnaire.
3, If you have regular nosebleeds or bleeding when brushing your teeth, please let us know, including which side of your nostril you are bleeding from.
4, If you make a sudden large movement during the test, the sampler may break and this should rarely be removed with forceps.
5, In addition, a complication does not usually occur with a notable frequency.
Please read the following documents carefully:
Statement of Consent to Covid PCR testing