In Vitebsk, about 300 people took paid tests for COVID-19 antibodies over 3 days

About 300 express tests for COVID-19 antibodies have been performed in Vitebsk over three days.

The opportunity to determine if a person has previously contacted coronavirus is now available to residents of the northern capital of Belarus, at the patient's request. Since June 15, the Vitebsk Regional Diagnostic Center has started offering testing on a paid basis.

To avoid crowding, the service delivery approach was thought out from the beginning. Firstly, appointments are made by phone (42-55-54 and 42-63-69) and on the institution's website. Secondly, a separate entrance has been organized for visitors (it is located to the right of the main one). Thirdly, everyone is required to wear masks. Fourthly, a 10-minute interval is maintained between visitors.

Blood for analysis is taken here from about a hundred people daily. Testing is carried out on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. A passport must be presented. Results can be obtained on the same day from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The cost of this service is 21 rubles 80 kopecks for Belarusians and 37 rubles 80 kopecks for foreigners.

The test systems themselves are Chinese, highly accurate, and sensitive. The diagnosis is made based on the number of lines obtained on the test system. One line indicates a negative result. The presence of the G line indicates past infection, with no concerns. If the M line is present, the virus is in the body. This result will be positive, even if the person has no symptoms of the disease.

– In case of virus detection, we transfer the data to the polyclinic at the place of residence. This is stipulated in the contract, – notes Alexey Teterev, head of the laboratory at the regional diagnostic center. – Infectious disease specialists at the local level will review each situation individually.

– I think I had coronavirus in March, I had similar symptoms, but I didn't take a test, – says Irina Gapon from Vitebsk. – I still observe all precautions. But my grandmother lives with me. I would like to know for sure whether I had the infection or not.

According to Svetlana Gromova, chief physician of the Vitebsk Regional Diagnostic Center, not only ordinary citizens but also heads of some enterprises, who want to test their subordinates centrally, are showing initiative. Given the increased demand for the service, the institution has allocated an additional day for organized groups – Saturday. To do this, you need to book by phone at 42-55-55.

Also, since June 15, it has become possible to take PCR tests for COVID-19 on a paid basis in Vitebsk. This can be done at the polyclinic on Margelov Street. Meanwhile, Stanislav Titovich, chief physician of the Vitebsk City Central Polyclinic, emphasizes that this service is available exclusively for those traveling abroad. Some countries, for example, Ukraine and Egypt, have made it a mandatory requirement: a certificate of absence of coronavirus infection. Moreover, this test is valid only for a few days before crossing the border. Therefore, if you are planning a vacation in August, there is no point in taking the test now. You can pick up the result the day after the test. Another important point: you must have not only your passport and an application form (the form can be downloaded from the institution's website), but also a document confirming your trip abroad. For example, an airplane ticket. The cost of the test is 33 rubles for Belarusians and 42 rubles for foreigners.

Elena MEDVETSKAYA, "Vitebskiye vesti".