“Coronavirus Disease 2019” (referred to widely as COVID-19, or coronavirus) is the respiratory disease caused by the “SARS-CoV2” virus. It was recently identified in Wuhan, China, and has spread globally. There has been an increasing number of cases reported in Australia, and it has become a global public health emergency. As of March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified COVID-19 as a pandemic.
How does the ordering process work for COVID-19 Testing?
Testing is able to be provided after short telehealth consultation. The patient’s PREPAID collection kit is then ordered by the practitioner via NutriPATH. Collection can occur at home or you may attend a “Drive Through Collection Centre” (NSW & VIC ONLY).
The sample will be collected and transported back via overnight courier. All samples must come back to NutriPATH for analysis and testing is performed in a laboratory facility. NutriPATH will perform analysis and upload results for the practitioner within 24 hours.
PLEASE NOTE: NutriPATH is offering laboratory testing ONLY. NOT patient ‘self-test kits’. Both test methods have been approved for use by the TGA.
Is the PCR and IgG/IgM Antibody test specific to COVID-19?
Yes, the assays have been designed specifically for COVID-19, not other related viruses.
What is the accuracy of the IgG/IgM test?
IgG : Sensitivity: 96.98% IgM: Specificity: 99.29%
Both test methods of analysis play an important role in the detection and monitoring of the virus for the potential of relapse to occur.
When would you order the PCR COVID-19 test?
For acute and early detection. Generally, symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily and some may experience symptoms worse than others. However, you should be tested if:
- You have returned from overseas in the past 14 days.
- You have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
- You have travelled on a cruise ship in the 14 days before developing symptoms.
- You have flu-like symptoms or an impaired immune system.
When would you order the IgG/IgM antibody COVID-19 test?
Antibodies to the novel coronavirus (COVID-2019) are produced and secreted after being infected by the virus. Serological assessments through IgG and IgM antibody tests can be used to assist diagnosis of patients with novel coronavirus (COVID-2019) infection through different stages of the infection. This test would be an ideal assessment for those people that may have the virus for more than 7 days or for those who have had the virus and have now recovered (refer to the graph above).
