Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, or more commonly Covid-19, belongs to the broader group of coronaviruses that commonly cause respiratory infections of varying severity in humans. It is estimated that about one third of upper respiratory tract infections in humans can be caused by coronaviruses.

The time from the day of exposure to the onset of symptoms (incubation time) is from 2 to 14 days with an average of 5 days.

The main mode of infection is person-to-person transmission, which generally occurs through the respiratory droplets of infected individuals who cough, sneeze or exhale, or by direct or indirect contact with respiratory secretions (through infected hands). Implementing personal hygiene measures is very important to avoid transmission.

Τhe most common symptoms in patients are fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. A small percentage are accompanied by muscle aches, phlegm and sore throat. While most patients present with mild symptoms, in some the disease progresses to pneumonia and multiorgan failure.

The tests performed at our Diagnostic Centers for SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus are:

1. PCR test SARS-Cov-2.

Detection and identification of the viral genetic material, identifying suitable target genes by the method of reverse transcription and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT Real-Time PCR). According to the World Health Organization, molecular testing is the most valid method for diagnosing SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus by detecting it in all known mutations until today. High-sensitivity and precision reagents as well as state-of-the-art analyzers are able to detect the virus even at low loads. In this way, reliable and immediate results are offered at an affordable cost for everyone.

In particular, the cost of the examination (taking and analysis of the sample) is set at 45 euros (Ministerial Decision 657/2022 – Government Gazette Issue Β΄ 2/Β/4-1-2022) while the analysis of the samples and the sending of the results are carried out within 12-24 hours of collecting each sample.

2. Rapid test Ag SARS-Cov-2.

Rapid Antigen test is a method of rapid detection of lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein antigens in nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal smears. It is mainly recommended in control cases of asymptomatic patients. The cost of the examination is set at 8 euros (Ministerial Decision 657/2022 – Government Gazette Issue Β΄ 2/Β/4-1-2022).

The result is sent within 30 minutes of collecting each sample.

3. Antibody testing SARS-Cov-2.

Antiviral-specific antibodies are detected in people who have had the disease in the past or who have been vaccinated with any approved SARS-Cov-2 vaccine and have developed antibodies. In particular, the following are are performed:

• SARS-Cov-2 IgG antibody test: 25 euros
• SARS-Cov-2 IgM antibody test: 25 euros