Combinations of these tests can be used to more reliably determine a pre-existing infection, infectivity, or pre-existing disease, even in asymptomatic or even mildly symptomatic patients.

In order to ensure the complete safety of the clients who turn to us, the Dr. Rose Private Hospital screening is carried out in the newly established, completely separate Screening Center on:

Vigyázó Ferenc utca, Budapest 1051.
Note: By appointment only, payment by credit card.

About COVID-19 examinations

Tests for SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus determine with great certainty whether someone is infected with the virus or not. In the first asymptomatic days after infection, the presence of the virus cannot be detected by currently available methods.

Only later, usually from the second to the fourth day, or up to 1-2 days before the onset of symptoms, can the presence of the accumulated virus be directly identified by the PCR test, which detects the genetic material of the virus from nose or throat secretions or sputum, the appearance of which also indicates infectivity.

The appropriate sampling technique is very important for the detection of emerging viruses: it is best to sample in the morning on an empty stomach, or at least after a minimum of 4-5 hours without eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum, brushing teeth or even using a mouthwash.

Proper sampling - from precisely the right place, depth, and for the appropriate length of time - is ensured by our highly trained, experienced staff.

The new Antigen (Ag) rapid test, which detects the protein antigen of the coronavirus, shows almost the same sensitivity as the tests performed by the PCR technique.

Unlike the PCR test, the new Antigen (Ag) rapid test can determine within 10 minutes whether the virus is present and thus infecting someone. Sampling is done from the nasal cavity, so you are not required to arrive on an empty stomach.

After the onset of symptoms and following the direct detection of the virus, antibodies appear in the blood during the immune system’s response to the infection: 

• first, after the onset of symptoms by around 3-5 days, IgM-type antibodies are formed during the early active infection.

• next, from days 5-6, the formation of more durable IgG-type antibodies begins

• finally, lasting protection is ensured by the IgG antibodies’ long-term survival. 

Based on the above, the antibody tests (serologies) are not suitable for very early detection of the disease, but following initial infection, from approximately days 7-8 they provide evidence of ongoing infection. 

Alongside the complex processes taking place in the body, the level of the coronavirus also changes, and the tests also have their own sensitivity and possibility for error, hence it is worth consulting a specialist and combining several types of tests as follows: 

• PCR + antibody rapid test: the great advantage of the antibody rapid test is that it gives an immediate result, detecting the disease even 3-5 days from the onset of symptoms so you can see the risk of infection immediately, even before the PCR result arrives.

This allows you to plan, e.g. meeting a family member at greater risk, continuing work, or to find out whether self-isolation or quarantine is necessary.

• PCR + IgM and IgG antibody serology: the IgM and IgG antibody test detects specific antibodies from venous blood. With high accuracy this can be used to determine the stage of the COVID disease in a symptomatic or asymptomatic infection, and whether an adequate immune response has been triggered by the coronavirus infection.

The nasopharyngeal discharge sample test detects ongoing infection through the fluctuating amounts of virus in a sample, with no disturbing cross-reactions. 

• IgG antibody serology: strongly recommended to prove whether someone has already had asymptomatic COVID disease and that their immune system has developed adequate, lasting protection so they do not have to fear a possible re-infection, nor pose a risk to high-risk family members.

Who do we recommend COVID-19 testing for? 

For our clients who, for example 

• would like to know if they are currently infected asymptomatically - so that by following quarantine rules they will not infect others;

• have returned from abroad and, on producing 2 negative PCR test results, would avoid triggering the obligatory official quarantine period (screening can start the day following the return home);• may have been in contact with a person infected with or suspected of having COVID-19 and are asymptomatic (2 negative PCR tests required, test 1 possible at least 4 days after contact, with the follow-up test at least 48 hours later and the entire observation period resolved no sooner than 10 days);

• patients with mild symptoms such as fever to a maximum of 38°C, a mild cough or respiratory symptoms, sore throat, loss of taste;

• anyone who would like to know if they have already been infected, even asymptomatically – to form our protection and adequate immune system response; 

We also recommend community screening (workplace, family) in the interests of protecting one another. 

With symptoms typical of COVID-19 infection (fever above 38°C, severe cough, shortness of breath), the procedure defined by the NNK must be followed: stay at home and inform your doctor by telephone for them to arrange the next steps, including home testing. 

About the tests 

The test is performed, with the strictest precautions, only by appointment, at the Private Hospital building in a newly designed, fully segregated Screening Center to prevent infectious patients from entering the Dr. Rose Private Hospital building and to minimize waiting times and the use of common areas.

For added safety, patients can wait separately in the waiting room and will be provided with their own pen and mask.

To further reduce contact, tests can only be paid for by credit card. 

Prices: 

PCR COVID-19 screening: EUR 56 (fixed official price) 
COVID-19 Antigen rapid test: EUR 56
COVID-19 antibody rapid test: EUR 110 
COVID-19 IgG antibody serology: EUR 140 
COVID-19 IgM antibody serology: EUR 140

For further information and to make an appointment call Dr Rose Team +36 1 377 6737

Click here to visit Dr Rose Private Hospital online
Address: 1051 Budapest, Széchenyi István Square 7-8.  (Roosevelt Square), Tower C, Floor 6
E-mail: info@drrose.hu