What is the method of testing for #COVID19 in Nigeria?
Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) also known as nucleic acid amplification tests. This is used to confirm the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
#NCDC_FAQs #PTFCOVID19
Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) also known as nucleic acid amplification tests. This is used to confirm the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
#NCDC_FAQs #PTFCOVID19
Why is Nigeria not using rapid test kits?
Currently, there is no rapid test kit validated by the World Health Organization (WHO). While rapid test kits can give results in under an hour, they are not as accurate as PCR.
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Currently, there is no rapid test kit validated by the World Health Organization (WHO). While rapid test kits can give results in under an hour, they are not as accurate as PCR.
#NCDC_FAQs #PTFCOVID19
What type of samples are collected for a test?
A trained health worker from the state, wearing a personal protective equipment uses swab (like a long Q-tip) to collect sample from the back of the nose or back
of the throat from a suspected case of COVID-19.
#NCDC_FAQs
A trained health worker from the state, wearing a personal protective equipment uses swab (like a long Q-tip) to collect sample from the back of the nose or back
of the throat from a suspected case of COVID-19.
#NCDC_FAQs
After collection, swabs are placed in a transport tube, carefully packaged, and transported to the nearest
laboratory within the NCDC laboratory network for testing.
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laboratory within the NCDC laboratory network for testing.
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Why is Nigeria not using the pooling strategy with PCR?
While pooled PCR testing enables mass testing for #COVID19, this method is effective when infection rate is low and only a few people are infected.
#NCDC_FAQs #PTFCOVID19
While pooled PCR testing enables mass testing for #COVID19, this method is effective when infection rate is low and only a few people are infected.
#NCDC_FAQs #PTFCOVID19
By pooling, samples from several individuals are collected and tested together.
If the results from the pooled samples come out negative, all samples are assumed to be negative.
However, if the pool result is positive, all samples will be tested individually.
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If the results from the pooled samples come out negative, all samples are assumed to be negative.
However, if the pool result is positive, all samples will be tested individually.
#NCDC_FAQs
Currently, Nigeria is recording a high rate of infection and would not benefit from this method.
#NCDC_FAQs #PTFCOVID19
#NCDC_FAQs #PTFCOVID19
Do people have to pay to get tested?
No. Testing conducted through a laboratory within the @NCDCgov network is offered free of charge.
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No. Testing conducted through a laboratory within the @NCDCgov network is offered free of charge.
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Where to get tested:
If you're showing known symptoms of COVID-19 or believe you're a close contact of a confirmed case, call your State helpline. State officials will advise on nearest testing centre or advise if a trained health worker will come to you to collect your sample.
If you're showing known symptoms of COVID-19 or believe you're a close contact of a confirmed case, call your State helpline. State officials will advise on nearest testing centre or advise if a trained health worker will come to you to collect your sample.
The NCDC has created a directory of all State helplines
which can be accessed via covid19.ncdc.gov.ng/contact
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which can be accessed via covid19.ncdc.gov.ng/contact
#NCDC_FAQs
Find more FAQs on #COVID19 Testing/Diagnostics on the @NCDCgov website, here: covid19.ncdc.gov.ng/media/files/FA…
#NCDC_FAQs
#NCDC_FAQs
