The difference between a PCR Test, Antigen Test (Viral) and Antibody (IgG/IgM) Test
*Many countries are now accepting Antigen (Viral) Tests to fly.
Please call Star at 204-237-9341 or email covid@stardrugtesting.ca to verify on the requirements accepted for your destination country as these change daily.
Cost Results Received Fit to Fly Checks for past infections Checks for current infections Test results documented by Star Antigen Test(viral) $169 15min. ✓* ✘ ✓ ✓ Antibody Test $59 10min. ✘ ✓ ✓ (recent) ✓ PCR Test $350 Within 24 hrs ✓* ✘ ✓by Lab
Rapid 15 Minute BD Veritor System Antigen (Viral) Test: Involves a swab of the nose (front of nose swab rather than the back of nose swab) and detects infectious coronavirus protein fragments. It is ideal for quickly determining if you are at risk of spreading the virus, as it is highly sensitive in detecting viral levels that are currently considered to be infectious. Therefore, rapid antigen tests are commonly used in workplaces as it can detect whether anyone can unknowingly spread Covid-19 to someone else. Rapid antigen test results are delivered within 15 minutes.
Rapid 10 Minute Assure Covid-19 (IgG/IgM) Antibody Test: Involves a finger-prick blood sample and detects the presence of IgG/IgM antibodies – produced in response to being exposed to coronavirus recently or months ago. It is extremely sensitive in detecting antibodies. It detects antibodies that developed as a result of exposure to COVID-19 within 10 minutes.
PCR Test: Requires a swab of the tip of the nose and/or throat (not nasopharyngeal) to detect the presence of viral coronavirus RNA. It is considered the gold standard of coronavirus testing, as they are extremely sensitive in detecting the virus in a sample – even after levels have dropped below infectious levels. PCR test results are received online within 24 hours.
It is important to remember that Covid-19 antibody/antigen testing should not be used to determine or validate the effectiveness of a Covid-19 vaccine. It should also not be used alone to confirm a diagnosis of a current infection. Patients who test positive for antibodies/antigen should continue to be vigilant about following MB Shared Health guidelines to prevent Covid-19 infection including social distancing, wearing masks in public and washing your hands frequently. Rapid testing should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions. PCR Confirmation testing for SARSCoV-2 should be performed if symptoms present themselves.
The BD Veritor™ System
The BD Veritor™ System for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV2, authorized by Health Canada, is the second antigen rapid test purchased by the Government of Canada. Antigen testing is one of several emerging technologies that can be used to determine if a person is infected with COVID-19 virus within 15 minutes by detecting specific proteins associated with the virus.
The BD Veritor™ System for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 is a chromatographic immunoassay for the direct and qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigens in nasal swabs from clients. Star will be testing people who show no signs (asymptomatic). Symptomatic people are encouraged to be tested by contacting SharedHealthMB and follow the provincial protocols. Asymptomatic people are still not being tested by the province and told to seek private testing facilities.
Star will be testing in hopes of keeping the workplace a safer place but also keeping our health care facilities and medical supports less busy. We can test those who are travelling to countries that accepts PCR, antigen COVID-19 testing as valid COVID-19 documentation.
This is also for the person that just wants another layer of protection, is anxious about not knowing, may work, live with someone with a compromised immune system, can potentially limit a school outbreak or employers wanting to random test employees for liability reasons. This is your way of doing your part!
Disclaimers:
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This product has not been FDA cleared or approved; but has been authorized by FDA under a EUA for use by authorized laboratories or trained personnel.
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This product has been authorized only for the detection of proteins from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens.
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This product is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for the detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner.