Testing for A variety of Covid-19 tests – with the latest being over-the-counter test kits

– are now under Singapore’s belt, allowing fast, extensive, easy and accurate

the virus tests to be conducted as the nation raises its game to fight the virus.
Cheryl Tan and Clara Chong report.

Test and brief Time Ease Other

Cost Accuracy
description taken of use details

Reverse transcription
• Over $150 A few Requires the use • Gold standard for • Very uncomfortable.
polymerase chain reaction of specialised lab testing. • An average of over
test (RT-PCR) to $200 for hours machines. • Sensitivity rate 55,000 PCR and ART
pre-departure testing. (ability to detect those tests were carried out
• Swab test from the nose or
back of throat, or from sputum. • If you have been who are positive): each day in the
• Looks for genetic sequences of advised by your
doctor to take a swab more than second half of May.
Covid-19.
test, this will be free. 93 per cent
Antigen rapid test (ART) As low as 20 to 30 • Deployment is very • Not as accurate • Those with acute
• Some involve using a nasal swab flexible because it is as PCR tests, but respiratory symptoms
from the lower part of the nose. $10. minutes a handheld device able to pick up are required to take
and can be done en infections early. an ART test on top of
• Looks for proteins on the surface
of the virus called antigens. masse with many • Sensitivity rate: a PCR test to allow for
people being faster detection of
swabbed at the 82 per cent cases.
same time. • Used heavily for
• ARTs have been pre-event testing.
rolled out to almost
all the public health
preparedness clinics
that are providing
the “swab and send
home” service and
all polyclinics.
• To expand testing
capacity, the
Government is
hoping to deploy
them to private GPs
as well.

Breathalyser Estimated to be
1 minute Involves some Silver Factory Used at the Causeway
No swabbing;
just blowing
around equipment. Technology
reported that its
and the airport.

into a $25. breathalyser has a

mouthpiece sensitivity rate of
or cartridge. over
95 per cent
and specificity of
more than
99 per cent
when compared
with PCR kits.

Over-the counter tests Price to be confirmed. ART usually takes Ease of use ART tests • People who are
Like pregnancy kits, these
could be ART tests which are
20 to 30 to be confirmed. typically have a
sensitivity rate of
worried about Covid-19
and wish to put their
purchased from pharmacies minutes 82 per cent. mind at ease, such as
and administered at home. front-line workers who
may wish to test
themselves daily.
• Will be simple
to use and not so
uncomfortable.

Wastewater testing (far right) Locations islandwide

• Detects the presence of the virus that have had their
at a location. This can then be wastewater surveyed
followed up with clinical tests. include the four water
reclamation plants,
• Frequency of sample collection workers’ dormitories,
varies from site to site and depends
nursing homes and
on the purpose of surveillance.
hostels.

Pooled testing Usually conducted in

dormitories to get
• One PCR test on a group of a sense of the
suspected cases.
prevalence rate of
• If the pooled test yields a positive Covid-19 there.
result, all the people in the group
will be tested individually to fish out
the Covid-19 case.

PHOTOS: ST FILE, REUTERS, AFP STRAITS TIMES GRAPHICS