Covid 19 Tests in Nigeria: What You Should Know

Do you need the COVID-19 test in Nigeria? Where should you take the test? Who should take the test? We will attempt to answer these questions and more in this post.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has underpinned the need for quality COVID testing globally. The drive to tightly control the COVID-19 virus demands the accurate application of diagnostic testing in large volumes to control outbreaks, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria. With the results and data got from the tests, it is becoming easier to reduce the spread of this novel viral disease. Implementation of therapy with positive results also becomes facile. 

With the periodic surfacing of new “variants of concern”, what we cannot overstate is the value of quality, appropriate COVID-19 testing in Nigeria.

As a vaccinated individual, taking the COVID-19 test is very important. If you have come into contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19, we recommend you take the COVID test. 

In this post, we will go over the different COVID tests, the steps taken to get accurate results, and things to consider when searching for laboratories to take the test.

What is the COVID-19 Test?

The COVID-19 test is a molecular test conducted to identify genetic material from the COVID-19 virus. To investigate an infection, medical experts analyze the upper respiratory specimen to detect genetic material (ribonucleic acid-RNA of the SARS-CoV-2).

Who needs a COVID-19 Test in Nigeria?

The COVID-19 diagnostic test is required if:

• You have any of the COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of taste and smell, or sore throat.
• Come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19 symptoms, either through a suspected case of COVID-19 or someone who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
• Your healthcare professional or your public health expert recommends you take a test.
• As part of travel recommendations (and criteria for travel) to certain countries.

There are certain factors that increase your chances of contracting the virus, such as traveling to areas that are endemic to the COVID-19 virus, crowded indoor settings, and certain occupations (e.g., healthcare workers).

If you’ve had close contact with someone who has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, you still need to get tested.

How is the COVID-19 Test Done?

There are basically three steps to getting your test done, and they involve:

• Collection of Samples: This involves the collection of a nasopharyngeal specimen by a health care provider using a nasopharyngeal swab and also collecting saliva specimens.  

A nasal swab looks like a long Q-Tip. They insert it about two inches into your nose and swirled around for a few seconds. After removing the swab, they send it to a lab for analysis. A tickling sensation may occur while the swab is in your nose, and you may sneeze or have runny eyes for a few seconds. 

Saliva tests are self-administered, so after they show you how to perform the test, you’ll do it by yourself. You will spit several times into a funnel attached to a tube, and then screw on a cap to complete the test. 

Collected sealed Specimens in tubes will be taken to the laboratory for testing.

• Performing the Test: As soon as the lab specialist collects a specimen, the lab scientist isolates it. Precipitate the genetic material and quantify the nucleic acid concentration in the sample collected.
• Getting the Result: A positive test result shows that you have the SARS-CoV-2 infection. You can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. If you test positive, you have to self-isolate to prevent the spread of the virus. If you become symptomatic and the infection becomes critical, you need to contact your medical service provider.
  

A negative test result means the infection, SARS-CoV-2, may not infect you. This, however, doesn’t mean you are completely safe and won’t be able to get the virus for life. There are still chances of getting infected and spreading the virus. Take precautions, stay safe, and use a mask.

Different COVID-19 Tests in Nigeria

There are several types of COVID-19 tests. They include:

1. For PCR, which is the gold-standard test, the collected sample is a nasopharyngeal swab, and the results are available in about 12 to 24 hours.
2. Rapid Diagnostic Tests (Antigen or Antibody) Analyses require collecting antigen samples via nasopharyngeal swabs, and antibodies require blood samples. The results are available within 15 to 30 minutes.

Where To Take the Covid Test in Nigeria

There are several NCDC-approved Covid test centers where you can take the Covid-19 test in Nigeria. However, there are still things to consider before deciding where to take the test for quality, effectiveness, and accuracy:

• Do proper research on the laboratory centers for you before taking a COVID-19 test.
• Ensure that they have a state-of-the-art facility to give accurate test results.
• Laboratory instruments are serviced and properly maintained.

If you are in Lagos or Port Harcourt, consider running your COVID-19 PCR test at Medbury Laboratories at an affordable rate. Our facilities and testing equipment are top-notch. We have helped a lot of Nigerians run their COVID-19 tests with a 0% incidence rate.

In conclusion,

With appropriate, effective & quality COVID-19 diagnostic testing centers in Nigeria, people who test positive and have symptoms can get care. Traced contacts self-isolated as soon as possible to help stop the spread of the virus.

Book a COVID-19 test today!