FAQ on nucleic acid testing + list of Guangzhou’s 167 testing institutions

2021-Jan-26 Source: Newsgd.com

As the Spring Festival approaches, where can you do nucleic acid testing if the place you are heading for requires one proof? Check this exhaustive guide out before you start your trip!

(File photo: Nanfang Daily)

Q: Where can I do nucleic acid testing in Guangzhou? How can I make an appointment?

A: In Guangzhou, there are a total of 167 medical institutions providing nucleic acid testing. See the attached list, including institutions, addresses, contact information, appointment channels and opening hours around the Spring Festival (in Chinese).

Residents can choose one that is convenient and nearby to make an appointment. After arriving at the testing venue, you should follow the staff's guidelines, wait in an orderly manner and avoid crowds.

Q: How does nucleic acid testing cost?

A: The cost of nucleic acid testing in medical institutions (general outpatient examination fee not included) is composed of various pathogen RNA testing services + reagents fees. There are differences as to nucleic acid testing services and reagents in different levels of medical institutions. Generally speaking, the cost of testing in tier-3 hospitals is about 75 yuan.

Q: How about the city's testing ability? How long does it take to get results?

A: Guangzhou’s nucleic acid testing capacity has reached 700,000 copies per day, which can meet the needs of citizens to take COVID-19 testing.

For patients in fever clinics: report results within 6 hours;

For patients in general outpatient (emergency) clinics, inpatients and their accompanying people: in principle, report within 12 hours;

For those who ask to be tested: report within 24 hours.

Institutions are encouraged to further shorten the reporting time of results based on actual conditions.

Q: Before testing, are there anything that I should pay attention to?

A: Bring your passport to the testing point, you should pay attention to the following tips:

1. To avoid vomiting, do not eat 2 hours before sampling;

2. To avoid affecting the results, do not smoke, drink or chew gum 30 minutes before sampling;

3. Before sampling, inform the staff of your past medical history;

4. When sampling the throat swab, you can tilt your head back, relax as much as possible, take a deep breath, and open your mouth to make an "ah" sound to fully expose the throat.

When taking nasal swab sampling, prepare handkerchief in advance, relax, put your head back for 70 degrees, and take a deep breath. Nasal swab sampling is not suitable for people with rhinitis, turbinate hypertrophy, or nasal septum deviation.

Q: If I take nucleic acid testing in Guangzhou, is the result valid throughout the country?

A: The results of Guangzhou’s 167 institutions are uploaded to the provincial COVID-19 testing information system, and synchronized with the national platform in time. The Yuekang and Suikang platforms have also been linked with the system. After the results are released by medical institutions, residents can check the results via Yuekang and Suikang in 2-4 hours, which is valid nationwide.

Q: Are there any consultation channels for nucleic acid testing?

A: Dial 12320 for more about nucleic acid testing.

List of Guangzhou’s 167 testing institutions (In Chinese)

Yuexiu