Page 26 - Covid 19- The fact, The Fiction and The Unknown

Questions and Answers

8. If one suspects that he’s been infected, then when he should have a test?

Answer: Different hospitals/ states might advise different regime of testing. Usually, if
you suspect that you have symptomatic COVID-19, then you should have a
RTK-antigen test first as it’s 90+% sensitive. If it’s negative and you are well, then
you would still need to complete your 10- day self-isolation. You can do a repeat
confirmatory PCR test around Day 9 to confirm that you are still negative before the
quarantine finishes.

9. What to do if the PCR test CT value is still detectable after 10 day quarantine?
Answer: Firstly, for the general public, we should treat the PCR test only as a binary
test i.e. whether it’s positive or negative. It’s not advisable to repeat a PCR test to
find out about your CT value after 10 days of quarantine as the interpretation of CT
value depends on a lot of factors including clinical context, laboratory reference, etc.
Its value is only for the laboratory people to monitor the viral load. Despite the
affordability of the test in some, doing extra tests might overwhelm our laboratories,
whilst not necessarily changes the clinical management.

10. What’s the difference between N95 and KF94 face mask?

Answer: N95 masks are used for aerosol generating procedures like suctioning. They
are produced in the USA hence was approved by NIOSH. They can filter out about
95% of the aerosol particulates. Whereas, KF94 is produced by Korea and claimed
to be able to filter out 94% of particulate. But it doesn’t receive the same certificate
from the US as it had not gone through the same quality control as N95. However,
instead of wearing an N95 mask, a good mask-wearing habit is more important. As
long as you are wearing a tight-fitting 2 layered mask (3 ply surgical mask + fabric
mask) and do not touch your mask when wearing it, then it should give you good
protection.

11. If I am a close contact, then should I get tested before my vaccination?
Answer:

Point 1- If you are spending >15 minutes and < 1 meter without a 2 layered mask
with a COVID positive patient, then you are a close contact.

Point 2- If you are a close contact, then the responsible thing to do is to finish your
quarantine before attending the vaccination.
Point 3- If you want to know if you are positive for covid, then you should have a test
done.