Virus and Infectious Disease Testing
Blood take service 5.00€
Tests
Different methods are used to test for viral and other infectious diseases: PCR or antigen tests can detect the pathogen itself or its parts, while serological IgM, IgG, or total antibody tests assess the body's immune response. Therefore, a 'universal infection test' does not exist.
Active infection or past contact?
If determining an ongoing infection is important, often a test for the pathogen's antigen or genetic material is needed, but the optimal method depends on the specific infection. Antibodies may only form after a certain time, and their significance depends on the specific infection. In some cases, IgG can indicate a past infection or developed immunity, in others, it may be a sign of an existing infection. Therefore, an IgG result cannot be interpreted based on a single general rule.
Tests for HIV, syphilis, respiratory infections, herpes viruses, chickenpox, measles, whooping cough, various parasitic, and other infections can be performed. Their window periods, samples, and interpretation differ.
If the test is performed after a specific contact, it's important to know its date. A test done too early can sometimes result in a false negative. If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, one should not wait solely for a self-ordered laboratory result.