No one wants to have to take a PCR test – doesn’t matter what kind…
But I was recently informed that some people at work had tested positive for Covid, and that I needed to schedule a Quick PCR test.
So if you think you need to get a Quick PCR test done, or are wondering what it is like, read on.
The panic stage
The first thing I did was check my work schedule to see if I had been at work on the days that those colleagues had been there.
I counted backwards to try to figure out when they might have been infected.
I also did searches on the internet to find out how soon symptoms started after infection.
And since I had already had my first vaccine dose, I was also searching to see if it made any difference.
I was Anxious. Worried. Panicked.
Booking the Quick PCR Test
I had received information about some quick pcr test clinics, and wanted to book an appointment for the next day. But they were fully booked.
Luckily, I was able to make an appointment for the day after that. This was done through the clinic’s online reservation form.
So, if you think your test might come back positive, you shouldn’t use these quick pcr test clinics. Search for the hotline and call them directly. (発熱外来 + area name)
The confirmation email had a list of dos and don’ts, and they were mainly things like:
- Come at the scheduled time (not earlier, not later)
- Do not eat or drink anything 30 min prior to the appointment
- If you are sick or have a fever of over 37.5deg, you cannot take the test here
To me, it seemed like they were saying that if you were having symptoms and might actually be positive, please get tested elsewhere. That’s how I took it anyway.
So, if you think your test might come back positive, you shouldn’t use these quick pcr test clinics. Search for the hotline and call them directly. (発熱外来 + area name)
Getting the Quick PCR Test done
There was a staff member standing outside the clinic, and there was white tape on the floor. Basically it was there to indicate where we needed to stand.
The first thing the staff member asked me was “What time is your appointment?”. They probably just don’t accept walk-ins.
I was about 15 min early so they got me to wait outside. 2-3 people turned up a few minutes later and were asked the same question, then ushered inside.
My turn
The staff member looked at his watch and then walked over to me. He had a bunch of plastic folders with a single sheet of paper in each one.
“Can I have your name?” he asked. After he confirmed who I was, he handed the plastic folder to me and asked me to go into the clinic.
Another staff member took over from there and ushered me inside. He then instructed me to disinfect my hands and make payment at the counter first.
After the payment part was done, I was instructed to go to one of the ‘booths’. They weren’t really booths though. It was more like a long high table that they had partitioned off.
The sample
There was a clear tube in a small resealable bag, and I was instructed to fill it up to the black line near the bottom.
Not a big deal right? Umm…I hadn’t drunk anything for over an hour and was actually in need of a drink.
So even though I was expecting to be able to fill it up after one or two tries, it didn’t happen like that!
I tried and I tried and it seemed like I just couldn’t get it to the black line!
With all the trying, I somehow managed to irritate my gums enough to turn the little pool in the tube a bit pink. Sorry about the horrible image!
The staff assured me that it was not an issue at all though. So there, if you guys have the same type of oopsie, don’t worry!
Finished
There were two rectangular stickers in the plastic bag so I stuck one on the form, and the other on the clear tube. You can actually see this in the picture above. It’s the yellow strip of paper.
After handing the whole clear folder with the clear tube to a waiting staff member, I confirmed that they would send me the results by email, then left.
The results
The information on the website had stated that we would get the results within 24 hours. So I had assumed that I would get it the next day.
But 2.5 hours later, I got an email.
The email address had the letters pcr so it made me jump. Yes, I know, I was a bit jumpy! But it was my first PCR test…can you blame me?! 🙂
When I opened that email, I was extremely relieved to see the words “Negative” in the results section.
PCR Tests
There are different types of PCR tests, some give you results in just a few hours, like how I got mine in 2.5hours. And some take longer.
But if you need one that provides you with documentation, it is going to cost you a lot more, and may take more time.
And if you are planning to use it for overseas travel, then make sure you know what the country accepts.
I know some of them only accept negative certificates from these clinics and testing centres.
Stay safe everyone!
Star
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My Covid-19 vaccination experience in Japan