Covid Testing
Covid-19 testing is a service that offers different options of tests to see if you currently have the covid-19 virus, have had the virus in the past or need a current virus status for work, personal or travel requirements.
Based in Knutsford MAK Clinic is easily accessible from Manchester and surrounding Cheshire areas including Alderley Edge, Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Northwich and Hale. All tests are carried out by a registered healthcare practitioner.
We provide the following tests:-
- LATERAL FLOW RAPID RESULT ANTIGEN TEST
- PCR TEST
- PCR TEST WITH FIT TO FLY CERTIFICATE
- ANTIBODY TEST
COVID LATERAL FLOW RAPID RESULT ANTIGEN TEST
This test detects specific proteins on the cell membranes of the covid-19 virus. These proteins are known as antigens and can be quickly detected .
This test detects specific proteins on the cell membranes of the covid-19 virus. These proteins are known as antigens and can be quickly detected .
WHAT IS AN ANITGEN?
An antigen is any substance that your immune system sees as a threat and as a result causes the immune system to produce antibodies against it. Each antigen has a distinct surface feature which allows it to be detected using a chromatographic immunoassay (diagnostic device slide).
There are two types of antigen test available, a nasopharyngeal swab test (swab taken from nostril) and the latest saliva test (swab taken of saliva inside the mouth).
BENEFITS OF ANTIGEN TEST
The quickness of results which are available after just twenty minutes. This type of test is ideal for reassurance if you wish to visit a vulnerable family member or need to attend a heavily populated event such as a wedding, sporting event or conference, as you can have the test an hour beforehand.
These tests are commonly used by companies on employees for regular work environment testing as there is no two-three day waiting for results so cases can be acted on immediately. SOME countries are accepting these types of tests as part of their border entry requirements.
COVID-19 POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION TEST (PCR)
The Covid- 19 PCR test detects the virus genetic material (RNA) within a positive sample.
The Covid- 19 PCR test detects the virus genetic material (RNA) within a positive sample.
A laboratory process is required to test the sample once taken and can take between 6- 72 hours to get result from time of sample collection.
HOW IS THE SAMPLE TAKEN?
A swab is taken from the nose and throat area by a healthcare professional and placed in the testing apparatus, labelled and couriered to the laboratory for analysis.
COVID-19 PCR with FIT TO FLY CERTIFICATE
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Many countries have imposed temporary Covid-19 testing border entry requirements.You need to check with your arrival destinations entry requirements before booking any appointments as the requirements are frequently changing.
A pre test phone consultation will take place to discuss all your requirements including flight details and medical status.Appointments will be calculated depending on the time frame required by destination country.
The ‘FIT TO FLY’ certificate will be sent by email in a PDF format although a lot of AIRLINES are requesting this to be printed and shown at check in so we advise to print a copy.If you receive a POSITIVE test result please follow current government guidelines.
COVID-19 ANTIBODY TEST
Covid- 19 Antibody test service is a test to establish if you have produced antibodies from being previously infected or from the vaccine.
Covid- 19 Antibody test service is a test to establish if you have produced antibodies from being previously infected or from the vaccine.
Covid-19 Antibody testing provides important information for those that have been unable to test while unwell or tested too late. NOW Covid-19 antibody testing is being used as a tool to check whether the Covid- 19 VACCINE has worked to trigger an immune response and produce antibodies.
This new antibody test not only gives a POSITIVE or NEGATIVE RESULT but also gives a qualitative results ie. Tells you how MANY antibodies you have…this is really helpful for those that want to monitor their antibodies levels over time.
WHAT ARE ANTIBODIES?
WHAT ARE ANTIBODIES?
An antibody is a specialised Y shaped protein used by the immune system that can destroy any virus, bacteria, fungi or parasite.
The antibody recognises the antigen (intruder) and binds to it rendering it immobile or unable to replicate.
There are two main antibodies produced in relation to the Covid- 19 virus.
These are….IgM (immunoglobin M) antibody that is produced as a first response to an infection/ invasion. Can start to be produced quickly after exposure to infection and reach their peak 7-14 days after exposure.
IgG (immunoglobin G) most abundant antibody responsible for longer term immunity after infection. Develops after 7 – 10 days and reaches its peak at 21 days and maintains a high level in blood still currently at 8 months (studies are continuing to test longer levels of IgG in post Covid- 19 patients)
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HAVE AN ANTIBODY TEST AFTER VACCINATION?
The best time is 28-35 days after the second dose although reports published by Astra Zeneca in The Lancet in support of their vaccine a single dose of the vaccination resulted in four- fold increase in antibodies in 95% of participants one month after injection.
The lab process
MAK Clinic uses Biograd laboratories ltd (company number 09221598).
Following collection, your sample will be couriered to the laboratory that same day with measures in place to ensure safety of sample and accurate temperature during transportation maintained.
The technicians in the lab will mix certain liquids to the swab to extract the genetic material of any viruses that may be present.
The lab uses special agents, primers, probes and specialist equipment to conduct heating and cooling cycles to convert the virus RNA into DNA then make millions of copies of the DNA.
In the case of a positive result - Specific probes then bind to the DNA and special light is used to show a POSITIVE result.
HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
To
book for a consultation simply call 01565 650 700 or email info@makclinic.co.uk .
You
can also BOOK ONLINE simply click on the BOOK NOW link and follow the steps.
Also
don’t forget to fill in your details on the MAK50 form to receive £50 off any
treatment.
A
£30 consultation fee is required to secure a booking, this is deductible
against treatment or product you proceed with.