COVID-19

To detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, the real-time PCR (RT-PCR) method is used, as recommended by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS). This method detects the virus’s genetic material. If the presence or absence of the virus’s genetic material is detected, we can determine whether or not the person is infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19). [Ref. DGS Standard No. 019/2020, October 26, 2020, updated November 6, 2020]

All individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 and/or who have been in contact with confirmed cases of COVID-19. [Ref. DGS Regulation No. 019/2020, October 26, 2020, updated November 6, 2020]

The test determines whether or not an active infection is present—that is, whether or not the person is infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In this way, it helps identify people who may spread the virus to others and, thus, enables the implementation of isolation and protective measures to contain COVID-19. [Ref. DGS Regulation No. 020/2020, November 9, 2020, Definition of a Confirmed Case / Joint Information Circular No. 003/CD/100.20.200]

For the diagnosis of COVID-19, this is the reference method recommended by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS).
There are also other serological tests, such as the measurement of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA (which may detect the virus earlier) and the measurement of total antibodies (IgM + IgG), a qualitative test that only indicates a positive or negative result and can be used as a screening test.

A doctor’s referral is recommended to take this test. [Ref. Joint Informative Circular No. 003/CD/100.20.200, Integration with patients’ medical history and their epidemiological context]

The test is performed by inserting a sterile swab (long cotton swab) into the nose; this biological material is called nasopharyngeal secretion. In addition to nasopharyngeal exudate, sputum samples, nasopharyngeal aspirates, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid can also be analyzed; the latter is a biological sample collected in a hospital setting.
The samples are then transported to the Germano de Sousa Group’s Molecular Pathology laboratory for SARS-CoV-2 detection as quickly as possible.

It means there is an active infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the agent responsible for COVID-19.

The results will be communicated to the prescribing physician and the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) via the SINAVELab platform. At the same time, the result will be sent to your email address. You must self-isolate and wait to be contacted by the Health Officer. [Ref. DGS Regulation No. 019/2020, Oct. 26, 2020, updated Nov. 6, 2020 / DGS Information No. 014/2020, Nov. 6, 2020]

Yes, there are asymptomatic carriers of the virus in the nasopharynx who can transmit it without showing any symptoms of COVID-19. [Ref. DGS Guideline No. 020/2020, November 9, 2020, Definition of a Confirmed Case / Joint Information Circular No. 003/CD/100.20.200]

After 14 days, you may retake the swab test (RT-PCR). If the result is negative, you may consider yourself free of active SARS-CoV-2 infection. If the result is positive, you should repeat the test every 48 hours until it is negative. [Ref. DGS Standard No. 004/2020, March 23, 2020, updated April 25, 2020 *
*As of today, there is no need to perform a laboratory test for SARS-CoV-2 to determine clinical discharge and the end of isolation measures (the point at which the person is no longer considered infectious) [Ref. DGS Guideline No. 004/2020, March 23, 2020, updated October 14, 2020, current as of January 5, 2022]

Current knowledge does not allow us to categorically state that you cannot, but it is highly likely that you will not be reinfected with SARS-CoV-2, at least for as long as circulating antibodies are present.

You will receive your test results within 48 to 72 hours.

The result will be sent to your email address and simultaneously to the SINAVELab platform of the Directorate-General for Health (DGS).

Please refer to the Germano de Sousa Group’s contact information

No appointment is necessary; simply visit one of our COVID-19 testing centers.

At the Germano de Sousa Group’s COVID-19 testing centers

All results are issued in Portuguese, English, French, and German.
Negative Result:

Positive Result:

The test is performed via a blood draw and is used to determine whether you have had contact with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and whether you have developed antibodies. This test also tells us the level of antibodies the patient has.

Serological testing is of enormous importance and is crucial for identifying and characterizing the potential immune status of individuals who have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19).

If we are immune, there is a lower likelihood of transmitting the disease to our family and friends. It is believed that we may have some “protective immunity” for 3 to 6 months.

It is performed through a quick and simple blood collection at any Germano de Sousa Group collection point, with no appointment necessary.

The serological test detects antibodies of the IgM and IgG classes.
IgM antibodies are detectable, in most cases, between the 7th and 10th day, although in more severe cases they may appear between the 3rd and 5th day after the onset of symptoms; IgG antibodies are detectable between the 10th and 20th day after the onset of symptoms.
If anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies are undetectable 20 days after the onset of symptoms (or 23–25 days after the onset of infection), SARS-CoV-2 infection can be ruled out (COVID-19).

The “reliability” of the tests is measured by what are known as clinical “sensitivity” and “specificity.”
The clinical sensitivity of the IgM and IgG serological tests, when used in combination, is 98.5%, and the clinical specificity is 98.7%.

Yes, it is possible to be a carrier of the virus and for antibodies to appear later. IgM antibodies are detectable, in most cases, between the 7th and 10th day, although in more severe cases they may appear between the 3rd and 5th day after the onset of symptoms.

Research suggests there may be a correlation between high levels of IgG antibodies and a lower likelihood of infection when exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Current scientific evidence does not yet allow us to state that a high titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies guarantees effective or long-lasting immunity. We know from similar viruses that immunity typically lasts 3 to 6 months.

No doctor’s prescription is required; the test can be performed at any of the Germano de Sousa Group’s collection points.

You will receive your test results within 3 business days.

The results can be picked up at the collection point where you had your blood drawn or sent to your email address.

Yes. There is the COVID diagnostic test (RT-PCR). The COVID diagnostic test (RT-PCR) is performed using a swab to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19).
There are also other serological tests, including the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA test (which may detect infection earlier) and the total antibody (IgM+IgG) test—a qualitative test that only indicates a positive or negative result and can be used as a screening test.

Check the contact information for the Germano de Sousa Group

At the Germano de Sousa Group’s collection points