Frequently Asked Questions
IN PFMC TERMS, HOW DOES ONE DETERMINE IF THEY ARE ASYMPTOMATIC, SYMPTOMATIC OR EXPOSED
Asymptomatic
• Person who is infected with SARS-Cov 2 (Virus that causes COVID-19) who might not know it because of absence of signs and symptoms.
• Person who feels well but potentially contagious/can transmit the virus.
Symptomatic
• Person experiencing any of the following signs/symptoms for the last 14 days:
• Influenza like illnesses (ILI)
a. Fever
b. Cough, colds,
c. Sore throat
d. Body malaise/body weakness/body pain (aches and pains)
e. Head ache
• Severe Acute Respiratory illness (SARI)
a. Shortness of Breath/Difficulty of Breathing
• Others:
a. diarrhea
b. loss of taste (ageusia) or smell (anosmia)
c. a rash on skin, discoloration of fingers or toes
d. conjunctivitis
Exposed/close contact
• Person who experienced any one of the following
a. Face to face contact with probable or confirmed case within 1 meter and for at least 15 minutes
b. Direct contact with a probable or confirmed case
c. Direct care for a patient with probable or confirmed COVID -19 disease with no Personal Protective
Equipment
SHOULD I CONSULT WITH A DOCTOR AND CONSIDER GETTING TESTED?
If you think you are symptomatic or you think you have been exposed, consult your Physician ideally via e-Consult
Follow attached Algorithm by Dr Benjamin Co.
PFMC doctors will guide you if you need to be tested
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE SYMPTOMS
I have cough, fever, and other COVID-19 symptoms. I fear that I have COVID-19?
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COVID-19 often causes symptoms similar to those persons with dengue, flu, etc. Consultation with a Doctor and testing is best recommended.
I tested negative in Rapid test antibody does it mean I am COVID-19 free?
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Each test has their own ideal timings. They are all not at the same time. Consultation with a Doctor for your testing needs is best recommended.
I bought COVID-19 rapid test kit online and tested negative. Is this accurate?
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Patients should not test on their own. This is a combination of different modalities such as CBC, chest X-ray, and Physician’s expertise.
WHAT IS THE MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RT-PCR AND RAPID TEST – ANTIGEN, RAPID TEST - ANTIBODY?
RT-PCR is the gold standard (the best, most reliable test) for COVID-19 testing. This detects the presence of the SARS-COV-2 virus which causes COVID-19. Rapid test measures the presence of antibodies against SARS-COV-2 in your blood. This is done through a blood extraction.
Swab Testing FAQs
1. How is the test conducted?
A trained medical staff will collect nasal and throat swabs. A swab on a thin stick will be placed at the back of your throat to get a sample, and a 2-3cm cotton-tipped swab will be gently passed up into your nose, quickly rotated and removed. Your sample will then be secured and sent to our partner laboratory for testing
2. Does it hurt?
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The test shouldn’t be painful but it can be uncomfortable. You may experience slight gagging/coughing and tearing of the eyes. The short discomfort means an adequate sample has been taken.
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If you find the test/ procedure to be painful, inform the staff performing the test right away.
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You can tell the staff how you feel before the procedure so they can help you feel more at ease
3. Can I be tested if I don’t have any COVID-19 symptoms?
Yes, If you have a direct contact to a person who later on tested positive for COVID-19 then, you may need to undergo COVID-19 test.
4. Should I prepare?
NO special preparation needed but no drinking and eating at least 30 minutes to an hour before the test is highly recommended.
5. How long will it take for the results to come in:
Within 24-48 hours.
6. How will I get my results:
Electronically signed results will be sent to your authorized e-mail. Results are password protected.
7. What happens if my test result is negative?
If you are symptomatic and have been exposed, complete the 14 day quarantine or as advised by your physician.
8. What happens if my test result is positive?
The clinic will provide you with an instruction guide in your registered email address. This is based on the DOH guidelines for handling COVID-19 positive patients. Refer to the guidelines by the Department of Health.
9. Does my Insurance/HMO's cover the test?
Yes, there are HMO that covers COVID-19 test both RT-PCR, Rapid Test Antigen, and Rapid Test antibody.
10. Should I book for an appointment?
You can book and can walk-in. This will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Booking an appointment is highly advised as there will be limited availability of slots on-site for those with no appointment. Arrive at the site at least 30 minutes before the given schedule.
11. Do I need to bring anything on my appointment date?
A valid ID is needed. You may wish to fill up the DOH form and bring it with you.
12. Can I use it to secure a Fit to Work or Travel Clearance?
This depends on the requirements of your company or airline. Some accept rapid tests in conjunction with other available tests such as CBC, Chest X-Ray, among others.
TESTING PROCESS
RT-PCR Swab Test/ SARS COV2 RT-PCR Test
Online:
In clinic:
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Register/fill-up forms : 5-10 minutes
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Pay: 2 minutes
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Actual procedure: 3-5 minutes
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DONE
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Results: 72-96hrs via email
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e-Consult may be done with separate fee
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Clearance after isolation may be issued by our doctor (with separate fee)
Rapid Antibody (IgG/IgM) Test
Online:
In clinic:
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Walk-in
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Screening section for registration: 5minutes
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Payment: 2-3 minutes
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Blood extraction: 5 minutes
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Results: 30minutes -1 hr
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Consultation with attending physician: 15-20 minutes
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Releasing of results with Medical Certificates