What is the Door-to-door PCR test?
The door-to-door PCR test uses deep throat saliva specimens for testing. Deep throat saliva test is one of the direct testing methods for COVID-19. The person being tested can collect the deep throat saliva specimen by themselves, and send the specimen to a medical center or hospital to get the test result, the sensitivity and accuracy of this test are both over 90%.
Why the PCR test?
If you need to leave Hong Kong urgently (such as business travel, returning to school, immigration, etc.), you need to obtain a certificate of negative PCR test result as a proof of health for overseas travel. The express door-to-door PCR test result can be obtained by email or WhatsApp in PDF format within 12-36 hours. If you suspect infection, are in home quarantine, have close contact with a confirmed patient, etc., a PCR test can buy peace of mind for yourself and your family, whether your symptoms are severe or mild. You can also take a PCR test if your company requires a health certificate.
Can I definitely leave Hong Kong (Travel abroad or Mainland China) if I have a negative PCR test result?
Generally, a negative PCR test report from a local laboratory recognized by the Hong Kong SAR government to conduct PCR testing for COVID-19, can be used as a health certificate for overseas travel. If you need to travel to Mainland China, you can choose either Express PCR test (results received within 12-36 hours), or the China PCR Nasal Swabs Test. For both Express PCR test and China PCR Nasal Swabs Test, you need to visit the registered clinic and get tested by a doctor. The entry testing requirements for each country change at any time, and the validity period of the report also depends on the entry requirements of different countries and regions. It is recommended to check the latest official entry regulations of your destination before departure to ensure that the most suitable testing method is selected.
What do I need to prepare before test sampling?
The PCR test uses deep throat saliva as the specimen. The higher the saliva concentration, the more accurate the test result. According to the Hospital Authority's "Patient Information Sheet on Deep Throat Saliva Collection", before collecting deep throat saliva specimens, you should not eat, gargle or brush your teeth within 2 hours to ensure high saliva concentration and accurate deep throat saliva test results. Take a deep throat saliva specimen in a well-ventilated area and keep a distance of more than 2 meters from others.
How to collect the PCR test specimen at home?
The method of collecting PCR test specimens (deep throat saliva) is very simple. The deep throat saliva test kit has a sample bottle and two sealed bags. Since it is necessary to collect saliva deep in the throat, the action of "spitting" is required to clear the saliva from the throat, and into the sample bottle. If the amount cannot fill the bottom of the bottle (about 4 ml), it is necessary to repeat the collection until the amount is sufficient, and try to avoid saliva contaminating the outside of the sample bottle. After the collection is completed, please close and tighten the cap of the specimen bottle to ensure that there is no leakage. Dry the sample bottle body and wash your hands. Put the bottle into a specimen bag, keep the bottle upright and clean your hands afterwards. Then put the sealed bag into the second bag and seal up the outer-layer bag.