Reasons For The Most Accurate PCR Swab Test For COVID-19 Detection

Swab test illustration (Mufid Majnun / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The corona virus or COVID-19 pandemic has not subsided, and the number of positive patients for COVID-19 continues to increase. This cannot be separated from the number of tests performed. There are three types of tests to detect COVID-19 in the body, namely Rapid Test, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and Molecular Rapid Test (TCM).

Among the three types, the PCR test is still the most accurate method of detecting the corona virus or COVID-19. The accuracy rate of this test is in the range of 80% to 90%. PCR test is a molecular examination in which the method is carried out by multiplying the genetic material of viruses or bacteria.

One of the PCR test sampling methods to detect COVID-19 is a swab test. A swab test is done to collect sputum mucus samples. Not only phlegm, other samples that can be tested for PCR are blood, urine, and even cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain.

The price of the swab test is expensive, but the level of accuracy is an important factor in detecting this virus. So, how does the PCR swab test work? Check out the following video.