COVID-19 Testing (RTK Antigen via Nasopharyngeal)

· Those looking for fast turanaround time COVID-19 Testing in Kuala Lumpur.
· Those with symptoms and wish to screen for COVID-19.
· Those with travel history to affected countries of COVID-19.
· Those with possible close contact with the infected persons.
· Those who want to undergo early screening to proceed with treatment or prevent the disease.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

The virus has the ability to spread during close contact by small droplets produced when the infected person(s) cough, sneeze or talk. A contaminated surface touched can lead to the infection as hands could accidentally transfer the virus to the face. Coronavirus can remain and survive on surfaces for up to 72 hours, and the first 3 days after symptoms appear are the most contagious period, although there is also a possibility of spreading before seeing the symptoms as well as in the later stages of the disease.

Potential COVID-19 infected individuals will present symptoms like:

· Fever
· Cough
· Runny nose
· Sore throat
· Tiredness
· Difficulty breathing
· Chest pain
· Loss of sense for taste and smell

It will normally take you about 10 to 30 mins to complete the nasal swab tests. RTK results can be generated within 1 day.

Appointments must be made prior to the test.

· RTK Antigen (Rapid Testing Kit)
Rapid Test Kits were first recognized as finger prick test and taking blood as samples known as RTK Antibody. However, RTK offered at our affiliated hospital is known as RTK Antigen. With it, quick turnaround can be obtained. This will be done by performing nasopharyngeal swab on patients.

RT-PCR or Combo Package Test is also available at our affiliated hospital.

<RTK Antigen>
· Thoroughly screens entire body's antigen
· Detects COVID-19 Virus
· Uses nasopharyngeal swab samples
· Positive results mean one is having the virus
· Helpful tool to detect presence of COVID-19

<RTK Antibody>
· Screens antibodies
· Detects antibodies only 7 to 14 days after infected to the virus
· Uses blood as samples
· Positive results mean one has been infected but unable to detect whether the virus still presents
· Negative results may not necessarily mean one is not infected
· Doesn't really help with early detection of COVID-19

<Advantages>
· Fast and accurate procedure
· Safe and no risk in exposure
· Detects antigens in the blood
· Results can be obtained on the same day

<Limitations>
· May not be as sensitive as RT-PCR

Q1: Is the test accurate?
A1: Compared to the conventional RTK Antibody testing, RTK Antigen Testing is more accurate.

Q2: What if I tested positive?
A2: Those who tested positive will have to follow the rules and safety regulations guided by MOH and will be put in quarantine at the nearest facility.

Q3: Will the test be painful?
A3: It will rather be a little bit uncomfortable but not painful.

Q4: Why can't rapid test be used as sole basis for diagnosis?
A4: Only rapid test of RTK Antibody can't be used as sole basis for diagnosis. RTK Antigen is now widely used as sole basis for diagnosis especially those that need fast turnaround time.

Q5: How soon can the results come out?
A5: Results can be out as soon as 30 to 45 mins.

Q6: I have recently traveled back to Malaysia but have not shown any symptoms. Will this test help me screen better than RT-PCR?
A6: For those who are not showing any symptoms or simply in a safe spot to wait for 2 to 3 days until results are out, it would be better if you go for RT-PCR test instead. If you are urgently in need of the results test, RTK Antigen test is especially for you.

[Clinic Name] Sunway Medical Centre
[Location] Selangor, Malaysia
[Nearest Station/ Nearest Tourist Destination] Near SBL Sunu-Monash and Sunway Lagoon
[Clinic Opening Time] Monday - Sunday (10:00AM - 9:00PM)