RT-PCR Testing for Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

The PCR test allows determining the genetic material of a virus. RT-PCR test is a precise and effective method to detect coronavirus. This test is recommended by the WHO and the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations (PSEE). The sample is taken from the throat or nasopharynx.

Damiana Medical Center offers two options for performing the RT-PCR test:

• at the clinic or a mobile testing site in the largest Polish cities,
• at the patient's home in Warsaw.

Learn more:

• When to perform an RT-PCR test for coronavirus?
• Rapid coronavirus test using the SAVD RT-PCR method
• Where RT-PCR testing is done?
• The price of the RT-PCR test
• How to prepare for the test?
• Interpretation of the results
• Follow-up tests for the infected people 

When to perform an RT-PCR test for coronavirus?

Get the RT-PCR test for coronavirus infection if you:

• have typical symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, shortness of breath and cough, loss of taste and smell,
• have a previous positive result of the screening test (RT-LAMP method, e.g., FRANKD) or antibody testing. 
• want to confirm full recovery from coronavirus infection.

Rapid coronavirus test using the SAVD RT-PCR method

The SAVD RT-PCR test is performed using the direct method. The sample is tested directly, without isolating the material. The test verifies the presence of the ORF1ab gene characteristic of the SARS-COV-2 virus in the material. The SAVD RT-PCR test sensitivity is 95%.

The rapid coronavirus test result is ready within 6-8 hours. 

What is the difference between the SAVD RT-PCR test and standard RT-PCR testing for coronavirus?

During the SAVD RT-PCR test, the sequence of the E gene characteristic for the type of beta-coronavirus is not detected in it.

Where RT-PCR testing is done?

Damiana Medical Centre offers the following options for the RT-PCR testing:

1. At the Testing center at 18 Nowolipie Street in Warsaw.

The tests are performed on the spot, in compliance with all epidemiological procedures and safety rules. The Testing Center has a separate entrance in the building soo that the people who test for coronavirus do not have contact with other patients. If you want to get tested, call our hotline at 22 566 22 22, and schedule your visit or buy an RT-PCR test online HERE. 

We kindly inform you that due to sanitary reasons, payment on the spot is not possible.

• The cost of the test is PLN 350*

2. SARS-CoV-2 PCR smear test at the patient's home

The SARS-CoV-2 PCR smear tests are carried out at patients’ homes in Warsaw. Our nurse, wearing protective overalls, arrives by special transport at the designated location. She collects the sample for examination and brings it to the lab. Results take up to 48 hours.

The cost of the nurse’s visit along with the test is PLN 680*.

* The prices shown for informational purposes and do not constitute an offer within the meaning of Article 66 paragraph 1 of the Civil Code.

How much does the RT-PCR test cost?

The price of RT-PCR for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus offered by the Damian Medical Center at the Testing Sites and the Testing Center at 18 Nowolipie Street ranges from PLN 350 to PLN 450 *.

RT-PCR testing at your place costs PLN 680*.

How to prepare for the test?

• The test should be taken on in the morning, on an empty stomach, or at least 2 hours after the last meal.
• Do not smoke, brush your teeth, use mouthwash, throat lozenges or chew gum for 2 hours before collecting the sample.
• The swab should be taken at least 2 hours after taking nasal antimicrobials (drops, ointments, sprays).
• Do not rinse or blow your nose before the sample collection.

Similar rules apply to antigen testing.

Bring your ID card with a photo and PESEL. Remember about social distancing and avoid public transport on your way to the testing center.

Interpretation of molecular test results (PT-PCR)

The positive result of the RT-PCR test indicates that you have a SARS-CoV-2 infection. If you are tested positive, you should immediately contact the Poviat Sanitary and Epidemiological Station (PSSE) in your place of residence and report a positive coronavirus result. Then, follow the instructions of the Sanepid about quarantine or the recommendations to stay in an infectious disease hospital. 

The negative result means that no SARS-CoV-2 genetic markers were found in the sample. However, you should be aware that a negative result does not rule out an infection. Consequently, if a patient shows typical COVID-19 symptoms or had documented close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, it is advisable to re-test another sample.

However, a negative result of the molecular test by RT-PCR does not exclude coronavirus infection. Therefore, if you have typical COVID-19 symptoms or had documented, close contact with an infected person, it is recommended to repeat the test. 

The inconclusive result of the RT-PCR test means the obtained result is on the border of analytical sensitivity. In this situation, you should repeat COVID-19 testing again within 24-48 hours.

Follow-up tests for infected people

RNA viruses can persist in the respiratory tract for up to 6 weeks. Infectivity ceases in most patients after about 8 days from symptoms onset (in patients with immunodeficiency it may last up to about 3 weeks). Therefore, in a patient with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is currently not recommended to perform molecular control tests to determine the elimination of the virus.