Antigen Rapid Testing 101: Clinic or Self test?

Should you go to a clinic for a swab test or use an ART (Antigen-Rapid Test) self test kit?

With various types of swabs, test centers, and guidelines, it can be confusing to figure out whether and where you should be swabbed.

Let’s break it down into 3 groups.

1. Well for Pre-Event Testing (PET)

Go to an approved clinic/provider if you are well and are planning to attend an event, business, or other activities requiring PET. MOH has implemented the use of PET to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spread. There are specific criteria to meet, including how the test is conducted and validity within a specified time, which our clinic is approved to carry out and assist with.

Individuals that are exempt from PET include:

- Persons who have recovered from COVID-19 infection (270 days from the first positive swab date)

- Persons who have completed the full regimen of nationally recognised COVID-19 vaccines (365 days starting from 14 days after completing their 2nd dose)

Our clinic provides PET Exemption notice certification if you fall into the category of recovered patients.

2. Worried Well

Perhaps you have been near a COVID-19 cluster, or there is a concern about spread near your community but you aren’t having any symptoms at the moment and have not received any invitation for swab. Self test kits may be a good option for you. They are quick and easy, taking less than 20 minutes to complete.

ARTs have a sensitivity (ability of a test to identify patients with the disease) of about 80% for cases with higher viral loads and a specificity (ability of a test to identify patients without the disease) range of 97-100%

The purpose of these kits are to be a quick screening tool to pick up possible infection early, especially for those who want to put their mind at ease.

If you have been alerted and invited to any COVID-19 testing by MOH because of close contacts or visits to clusters, you may proceed to PHPC clinics like Intemedical clinic to have a subsidised ART done.

3. Sick with Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) symptoms

If you have any acute respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough or runny nose, you should visit a Swab and Send Home (SASH) clinic to seek medical attention. Here you will be examined, swabbed and treated.

The swab tests performed may include both an ART for a quick assessment, as well as a nasal PCR swab. The PCR swab has higher sensitivity and thus better for picking up COVID-19 disease, but requires a longer turnaround time in the lab.

Patients can all enjoy fixed government subsidized prices for consultation and treatment - $10 for Singaporeans/ Permanent residents, $5 for Merdeka/Pioneer Generation seniors.

For PET related service,

- ANTIGEN RAPID TESTING: $37.45 NETT (Updated 1/1/22)

- Pre-event Testing (PET) Exemption Notice certification - $53.50 NETT

If you have any further questions about ART at the clinic vs self-test, please contact us at the following touchpoints.

How to make an appointment with Intemedical?

Appointment Portal: Kovan Clinic / Potong Pasir Clinic

(click and book with instant confirmation!)

WhatsApp: 8879 9404

(available during clinic opening hours, 8am to 12am)

Mobile: 8879 9404

(messaging preferred)

Landline: +65 3165 9251

(please be aware that the phone might be engaged due to high call volume)

Sources:

https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/pet

https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/selftestart/faqs

COVID-19 Serology Simplified

If you've been vaccinated or previously infected with COVID-19, chances are your blood serology results will be different from someone who hasn't been.

Now and probably for some time in the future, many of us may need this test to be done to prove our immunity to the virus. MOH announced earlier that Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders who received their COVID-19 vaccination overseas can get their immunization records updated in the national registry here when they return.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know.

What is COVID-19 serology?

COVID-19 serology involves blood tests that look at antibodies - proteins your body produces to attack viruses or bacteria in the blood. These antibodies are produced as a response to an actual infection, or to vaccination.

SARS-CoV-2, like other viruses and bacteria, has specific structures which the antibodies are built to target - antigens. Two key antibodies that are tested currently are the ones that target the antigen Spike protein (S protein) and Nucleocapsid proteins (N protein)

Diagram: https://www.lubio.ch/applications/coronavirus-research/viral-proteins#group_2839

What does a positive or negative result mean?

A positive result means that you have either had a previous COVID-19 infection or that you’ve been vaccinated. In general, vaccinated individuals develop the antibodies to the S protein, which is what mRNA viruses have been designed to develop. An individual who has a natural infection would develop antibodies for both and hence the N protein is more specific for past infections.

Negative results can be tricky. Though testing negative for antibodies may mean you have not been previously infected or vaccinated against COVID-19, it may also be that your body has not developed sufficient detectable antibodies after an actual infection. In some cases, it may even be a false negative.

The body takes time to develop antibodies after an infection, and these antibody levels may also decline over time. Hence, the timing of when the test is done is also important in determining the results.

Which serology test is the right one for me?

The answer is not as straightforward as it seems! It would really depend on the reasons for doing the test, requirements from the country you are intending to travel to, your vaccination or previous infection status.

Apart from looking at the S and N protein antigens, the tests may also look at IgM and IgG. IgM are antibodies that are formed early on after the body responds to a natural infection, and this is later replaced by IgG which persists in the body for a longer period.

If you do require a serology test to be performed, our team will be happy to help and assist you with the appropriate test!

We currently provide Serological testing for Verification of Overseas COVID-19 Vaccinations at $60 nett (GST incl.)

How to make an appointment with Intemedical?

Appointment Portal: Kovan Clinic / Potong Pasir Clinic

(click and book with instant confirmation!)

WhatsApp: 8879 9404

(available during clinic opening hours, 8am to 12am)

Mobile: 8879 9404

(messaging preferred)

Landline: +65 3165 9251

(please be aware that the phone might be engaged due to high call volume)

Sources:

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/antibody-serology-testing-covid-19-information-patients-and-consumers

https://asm.org/Articles/2020/May/COVID-19-Serology-Testing-Explained

https://www.parkwaylab.com.sg/resources/covid-19-testing

New Requirements for Foreign Domestic Workers' 6-Monthly Medical Examination

Following the cases of abuse involving migrant domestic workers (MDWs), the Ministry of Manpower has implemented changes to the 6-monthly medical examinations (6ME). These measures are aimed at helping FDWs and employees settle smoothly into a beneficial working relationship, while helping to detect signs of abuse.

These are the changes that will take place from 29th August 2021.

1. Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement and extensive examination

Height and weight will be measured to calculate BMI. Any unexplained significant weight loss may be a trigger for more extensive examination. To facilitate this, the 6ME will be conducted without the employer or employer’s representative in the examination room to facilitate the FDW to share details if there is possible abuse.

2. Reporting of results Medical practitioners and clinics are also not required to share the 6ME results with the FDW employer, as the employer may obtain the information directly from MOM’s portal.

FDWs in need of assistance can reach out to the MOM Helpline for Helpers at 1800 339 5505.

Prices for 6ME start at $30 before GST.

If you have any further questions about 6ME for Foreign Domestic Workers, please contact us at the following touchpoints.

How to make an appointment with Intemedical?

Appointment Portal: Kovan Clinic / Potong Pasir Clinic

(click and book with instant confirmation!)

WhatsApp: 8879 9404

(available during clinic opening hours, 8am to 12am)

Mobile: 8879 9404

(messaging preferred)

Landline: +65 3165 9251

(please be aware that the phone might be engaged due to high call volume)

Source: MOM Circular 08/2021 and 104/2021 released on 5 Aug 2021