The Diplomat
As a result of our collaboration with Quirónsalud group, The Diplomat in Spain offers our subscribers anti-covid tests at a significant price reduction.
By subscribing to The Diplomat in Spain you will enjoy a special price using the promotional code “DiplomaticHealthP” by accessing through this link. Likewise, our subscribers will also have at their disposal special conditions in case they want to have a rapid antigen test. In this case, using the promotional code “DiplomaticHealthA” by clicking on this link.
For your convenience, you can follow the instructions below to correctly apply the promotional code step by step (please, click on the following image to enlarge).
Now, do we know the differences in terms of the existing tests on the market and what each one is for? Quirónsalud experts have helped us to clarify it.
Today, the “star test” for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection is nasopharyngeal PCR, thanks to its high sensitivity of 98%, which is performed by introducing an elongated swab through the nostrils to the pharynx, collecting mucosal secretions. Its results are obtained in a period not exceeding 1-3 days and it is not necessary to go fasting.
Next, there is the PCR in saliva, a test that is just as effective, but less bothersome than the PCR of nasopharyngeal sample, making it the most appropriate for certain groups such as children or the elderly. It is the same PCR, but taking saliva as a sample in this case.
Also available on the market are antigen tests, tests that detect structural particles of the virus in respiratory samples (nasopharyngeal swab) and whose results are available in about 15 minutes.
Another great advantage of this test is the high sensitivity in the first days of infection. Sensitivity in the first days of infection (0-3 days) is 100% and from 4-7 days 90%. This allows an urgent diagnosis of those patients with symptoms and their contacts.
Regarding serological tests, it is from the eighth day onwards when their sensitivity increases. These are blood extraction tests (without the need for fasting) used to determine whether the disease has passed and whether antibodies have been generated, by means of the reference test (ELISA/chemiluminescence): quantitative immunoassay with CE marking, with a sensitivity close to 100%.
Specifically, it indicates that this test detects on the one hand the ‘IgM’ antibodies, which would reveal the immune response to the presence of the virus from the eighth day of infection. Afterwards, they are also able to detect the ‘IgG’ antibodies, which would detect that the infection has been overcome.
The Diplomatic Health team (diplomatic.health@quironsalud.es), Quirónsalud’s exclusive communication channel for diplomats, is at your disposal for any type of consultation or clarification you may require.
