If you’re living in Canada and have been diagnosed with HIV, you might be wondering whether or not you can get a PCR test in Canada. PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, tests are one of the most sensitive available in the world, and they’re often used to detect the virus if it’s too early to show up on other tests that use less sensitive techniques. These tests are sometimes preferred if you want to learn your status as soon as possible after exposure, as it’s possible to get results back as quickly as two weeks after being tested.
What is PCR Testing
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is one of the most common types of genetic testing. It’s used to detect and identify specific DNA sequences, but it can also amplify very small amounts of DNA for further analysis. PCR is a popular tool among forensic scientists because it can easily isolate specific DNA samples from other cellular materials. For example, doctors may use PCR if they’re trying to test blood samples from two people who have close DNA matches.
Generally speaking, it can also detect diseases by identifying small changes in gene sequences related to those diseases. Doctors would then use that information to decide whether or not someone should undergo treatment for those diseases. So if you are getting the PCR test in Canada, swift clinics are the best clinic for you.
Types of PCR Testing
Two types of PCRs can be done.
Qualitative PCR testing
The first, called qualitative PCR testing, is used to determine if your body has ever been exposed to specific DNA. This type of test may be able to tell you if you have or haven’t had chickenpox, for example. It cannot tell you when these exposures occurred or your immune response.
Quantitative PCR testing
The second type of testing is quantitative PCR testing, it determines how much exposure there has been and can help a doctor determine what course of treatment will work best for you. Both types can be done on blood, urine, or saliva samples. There are also home-testing kits available, but Health Canada does not regulate them, so their accuracy is questionable.
Where can you find PCR Testing?
There are many places you can go to get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea. One place is your doctor, who will be able to test you for these STDs by doing an exam. The other option is going to a clinic that offers STD testing. The two most common STDs—chlamydia and gonorrhea—are diagnosed in clinics that provide free or low-cost STD testing near me. To find STD testing near me, all you have to do is type STD testing into Google Maps and then select one of the options provided by Google to find out where nearby clinics are located.
How do you Get a PCR Test done
Depending on what you’re trying to test for, you may need to go through your primary physician to get approval. Some tests are done at specific labs and must be ordered by a specialist before taking any sample. If your doctor or specialist recommends it, be sure to ask about any associated costs before proceeding with testing. It’s also important to get all of your questions answered upfront, so you don’t end up surprised if, for example, you have to pay extra for special containers or shipping services. Be careful when ordering online, too; some services won’t deliver internationally (and may require additional fees).
Ensure that you know what is and isn’t included in your package and keep copies of everything just in case there’s an issue with processing or delivery later. How do I Get My Sample Prepared: PCR samples often need to meet specific requirements, such as being kept frozen during transport. Check with your lab or medical provider if you’re unsure how best to prepare your sample. If it helps, start brainstorming all possible things that could go wrong—your lab has probably seen them all before! — and think about ways you might be able to mitigate them ahead of time.
How much does it cost to get a PCR test done
The price of point-of-care testing (PCR) lab test depends on what type of lab is doing it. Tests performed at doctors’ offices or clinics are less expensive than those done at hospitals. And tests ordered directly from an insurance company are generally cheaper than getting them from your doctor or hospital. Your insurer may cover all or part of your costs and set limitations on who can do your test and where it can be done.
That said, how much you pay for each test depends on how many you get. When in doubt, you should ask about costs before having any tests done; most providers will give you an estimate beforehand, so there are no surprises later down the line. When you go to the clinic or hospital for a PCR lab test, find out if they require payment upfront. This could make your final bill much more expensive if you don’t have medical coverage.
On average, people with medical insurance spend $100-$200 on PCR tests every year, according to research by Truven Health Analytics. If you’re uninsured, expect to pay at least $300 per lab test, but not always close to $1,000 as some cost estimators say; however, in some cases, using self-pay prices could cost considerably more than what’s listed here. Expect prices at most doctor’s offices and clinics that perform their tests to range between $20-$200 depending on what they are testing for and where they are located geographically.