Covid-19 & Respiratory Testing
4Cyte Pathology is a recognised leader in respiratory PCR testing. With a single swab, 4Cyte can perform gold-standard PCR testing for:
- Covid-19 PCR
- All major respiratory viruses (RSV, Influenza, etc)
- All major bacterial infections (pertussis, mycoplasma etc)
How can I tell if I have Covid or some other respiratory infection (such as Influenza, RSV etc)?
The symptoms of the different respiratory infections (Covid-19, RSV, Flu, etc) are generally similar and may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Because the symptoms are similar, it can be difficult to distinguish between illnesses caused by different respiratory infections. To diagnose a potential cause, healthcare professionals may refer you for a respiratory PCR test.
What are the benefits of PCR testing vs Rapid Antigen Tests?
Firstly, PCR tests are generally considered better at detecting the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and are the gold standard for diagnosis of COVID-19.
While rapid antigen tests can provide a result within a shorter time period, they are generally considered to be less accurate at detecting COVID-19 than a PCR test.
Secondly, an advantage of PCR testing, is that a PCR swab can also be used by 4Cyte to detect the presence of other respiratory viruses and infections that may be the cause of your symptoms.
Whereas a rapid antigen test typically only targets SARS-CoV-2.
Why should I get my respiratory swab tested at 4Cyte Pathology?
- 4Cyte is recognised as the leader in respiratory PCR testing with many state governments relying upon 4Cyte for their testing needs during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- All respiratory and Covid-19 PCR testing at 4Cyte is bulk billed (no charge to patient).
- 4Cyte offers a profession leading turnaround time.
- 4Cyte can target and identify a full spectrum of infectious causes from a single swab - leading to faster assessment and treatment.
- 4Cyte sends an SMS of your result for the full menu of respiratory tests to your mobile phone.
Do I need a doctor's referral to get tested?
Yes.
A referral from a medical practitioner is required to access bulk billed PCR testing.
How do I get tested?
Consult with your doctor. A doctor will determine how best to proceed, and if/which testing is best suited for you.
Take your referral to any 4Cyte collection centre and the nurse there will take your swab.
To find your nearest Covid-19 and Respiratory PCR testing site click here.
Where do I get tested?
You can take your pathology referral to any 4Cyte Collection Centre.
The 4Cyte nurse will take your swab in accordance with approved procedures.
To find your nearest Collection Centre click here.
Will I get bulk billed?
Yes.
All patients with a valid Medicare referral will be bulk billed (no charge to patient).
Overseas students with valid OSHC will not have to pay any out of pocket charge.
What respiratory bacteria/viruses does 4Cyte test for?
Depending upon what your doctor asks, 4Cyte will test your swab for the following causes of your infection:
- SARS-CoV-2
- Influenza A
- Influenza B
- RSV
- Rhinovirus
- Metapneumovirus
- Parainfluenza
- Adenovirus
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- C.pneumoniae
- Bordetella pertussis
- B.parapertussis
- L.pneumophila
How long does it take for 4Cyte to conduct the PCR test?
4Cyte will generally have completed its PCR test from 12 - 24 hours after the swab has been submitted. In some rare cases, results will take longer due to confirmatory testing etc.
How do I obtain my Covid-19 and other respiratory results?
4Cyte will send an SMS to the patient's mobile (if supplied) when the results are complete. The SMS will notify if you have tested positive or negative to the main groups of different respiratory infections. In addition, 4Cyte will send your results to your referring doctor.