The COVID-19 Swab Test
Photo Credit: @unitednations via Unsplash
With the recent spikes of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia, it's totally normal to feel worried, anxious, and even paranoid as you check the number of cases every evening. If you're worried you have the coronavirus and contemplating whether to get tested for it - know that you're not in this alone.
Read on for our guide on getting a COVID-19 swab test in Malaysia, covering all the questions you have in mind, from where to get one, does it hurt as much as others tell you, and whether you should really get tested.
Answers To All Your Questions About The Swab Test
1. What Is A Swab Test?
A swab test is an easy, effective, and fast way to diagnose whether you have an active coronavirus infection. Samples are taken from your nose and throat with a specialized swab, put into a sterile container, and transported to a lab for testing.
There are generally 2 types of swab tests - a molecular test (PCR) and an antigen test (RTK). A PCR test is a more common and recommended test to go for as it's more accurate than an antigen test (although antigen tests produce results faster and are less expensive). Should your antigen test show a negative result although you display COVID symptoms, you may be asked to carry out a molecular test for double confirmation.
Reliable swab test services bookable on Klook:
2. What About Home Test Kits?
Photo Credit: Unsplash
While there are individuals selling COVID-19 Home Test Kits online are affordable prices, most of these kits are not approved by the Health Ministry and may not produce reliable results. Medical professionals have advised against getting tested with unauthorized home test kits without the guidance of healthcare professionals as you may be at risk of using it incorrectly or misinterpreting the results.
Reliable swab test services bookable on Klook:
3. How Is It Done?
A COVID-19 swab test involves the insertion of a 6-inch cotton-tipped swab (something like a long Q-tip/cotton bud) into the cavity between your nose and mouth (the nasopharynx). The swab will be inserted for around 15 seconds per nostril and rotated a few times to collect sufficient material for testing. The material is then sent to a lab for testing, and you will usually be informed of your results within the next day or two.
4. How Does It Feel?
Or in other words: does it hurt? We're just gonna say - it's not as bad as you think or have heard about. Most people who've undergone the procedure merely describe the process to be slightly uncomfortable and unpleasant, but painless. Besides, the discomfort is over quickly and usually lasts only around 5 seconds. Your eyes may however get watery when you get swabbed, but hey, that's just a normal reaction when something is shoved up your nostril - so don't worry! Another reaction that some testers may get is a gag reflex as the swab will also touch the back of your throat.
5. Where Can I Take A Swab Test?
Not all medical institutions in Malaysia provide swab test services. If you can, we recommend heading to one of the drive-through test facilities for greater convenience and safety. Here's a list of some clinics and hospitals around KL and Selangor that provide COVID-19 swab tests:
Kuala Lumpur
- LifeCare Medical Centre, Bangsar South (drive-thru)
- Pantai Hospital Ampang (drive-thru)
- Pantai Hospital Cheras (drive-thru)
- Pejabat Kesihatan Cheras (drive-thru)
- Gleaneagles Kuala Lumpur
- Columbia Asia Hospital Setapak
- Taman Desa Medical Centre
- Poliklinik Cahaya Desa Pandan
- HSC Medical Center
- Prince Court Medical Centre
- Klinik Kesihatan Kuala Lumpur
- KPJ Tawakkal KL Specialist Hospital
- KPJ Sentosa KL Specialist Hospital
- Sunway Medical Centre Velocity
- Klinik Kesihatan Jinjang
- Klinik Kesihatan Kuala Lumpur, Titiwangsa
Selangor
- Pantai Hospital Klang (drive-thru)
- KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital
- Kelana Jaya Medical Centre
- Klinik Kesihatan Kelana Jaya
- Klinik Kesihatan Taman Medan
- Klink Kesihatan Puchong
- Klinik Kesihatan Seksyen 19 Shah Alam
- Klinik Kesihatan Seksyen 7 Shah Alam
- Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Botanik, Klang
- Klinik Kesihatan Salak, Sepang
- Klinik Kesihatan Sg Pelek, Sepang
- Klinik Kesihatan Dengkil, Sepang
- Klinik Kesihatan Sepang
- Klinik Kesihatan Sungai Buloh
- Klinik Kesihatan Rawang
- Klinik Kesihatan Hulu Kelang
Note: The list above is not exhaustive! For more health facilities offering screening services as well as hospitals and clinics that offer services in other states, check out the official MySejahtera website here. Also, do be sure to call up the health facility you'd like to visit to confirm that they're still providing screening services, as well as place an appointment before heading over as most places do not accept walk-in customers. Click here for a list of drive-thru swab test locations in Klang Valley.
[Now On Klook] Book your drive-thru PCR Swab Test on Klook and head over to get swabbed at LifeCare Diagnostic Medical Centre in Bangsar South. All you have to do is book your test voucher on Klook and head over to get swabbed safely and quickly (you won't even need to step out of your car). The test will only take approximately 5 minutes per person and test results will be ready the next working day before 5PM.
More Details:
- Test Location: LifeCare Diagnostic Medical Centre
- Address: Wisma LifeCare, No.5, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South, 59200, KL.
- Operation Hours: 8AM - 12PM (Mon - Fri), 8AM - 11AM (Sat)
- Price: RM300 per test (book on Klook here)
6. Can I Take A Swab Test At Home?
Photo Credit: www.homage.com.my
Yes, you can! If you'd prefer to take a swab test at home without heading to a health facility, you can do so as well. There are many institutions that provide COVID-19 in-house sampling services that you can schedule for at your preferred day and time.
Klook has partnered up with Homage, a professional care services provider that provides on-demand holistic home and community-based caregiving services, including in-home swab tests that can be conducted safely in the comfort of your home or office. Avoid long queues at the hospital and get your PCR or RTK swab test done by a certified nurse in your home - test results will be sent to you via email within 24 - 72 hours!
Other platforms with in-home swab tests:
- BP Healthcare (available nationwide - get 10% off on Klook!)
- Bookdoc
- Pantai Premier Pathology Sdn Bhd
- Lablink (M) Sdn Bhd (KPJ)
- Qualitas Medical Group Sdn Bhd
- Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur
- Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
- Pantai Hospital Cheras
- Pantai Hospital Klang
- Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh, Melaka
- Twin Tower Medical Centre, KLCC
- DoctorOnCall
7. How Much Does It Cost?
A PCR swab test generally costs between RM300 - RM450, depending on the facility you visit. Give the hospital/clinic you have in mind a call to check their rates and place an appointment.
Reliable swab test services bookable on Klook:
- In-home PCR/RTK Test by Homage - from RM200
- Drive-thru PCR Test by LifeCare - RM300
- In-home Test by BP Healthcare - RM360
[Update] Did you know that you can claim up to RM300 for your swab test under the COVID-19 Test Fund? Medical insurance policyholders and takaful certificate holders can submit claims easily via the CTF portal after completing their swab tests! Find out more with our step-by-step claim application guide:
8. When Will I Get My Results?
Test results usually take between 24 - 72 hours to be ready (sometimes faster). Depending on the health facility, you will be informed of your results via call, email, or courier mail. You are recommended to practice self-quarantine while pending for your test results, and follow the advice of your health care provider.
9. Should I Get Tested?
People with and without symptoms of COVID-19 choose to get tested for peace of mind and so they don't spread the virus to the people they come in contact if, should they be a carrier of it. You are recommended to get tested if you:
- Display symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g: dry cough, fever)
- Have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19
- Have had travel history to a red zone
Note: the Selangor government has announced free COVID-19 screening for Selangor residents who have travelled to Sabah between September 20 - 26. This can be done at all Selcare clinics (e.g: branches in Klang, Shah Alam, Jaya One, Putrajaya) - you will be required to provide your flight documents as well as proof that you're a resident of Selangor to get tested.
10. What Happens If I Test Positive?
If you test positive for COVID-19, do not panic. There are clear guidelines put in place by the Ministry of Health to ensure that you get the care you need. Your screening centre will first register you as a COVID-19 case, and an ambulance will usually be arranged to pick you up and send you to the closest admitting hospital or centre. You will be isolated from the public and the people you live with, and healthcare professionals will provide you with appropriate medical care according to your needs.
Most patients who contract the virus only display mild symptoms, so if you're not feeling too unwell, do not worry too much! In the meantime, keep calm, pack your bags, and wait for your next steps. It's also very important to keep your distance from your family members or anyone you live with to prevent the spread of the disease.
Some items to include in your packing list for your isolated stay:
- Personal documents (e.g: IC)
- Handphone, charger, powerbank
- Towel, toiletries
- Clean clothes
- Water bottle, snacks
- Entertainment (if you're not feeling too unwell and get bored easily! Pack your laptop, earphones, books, whatever keeps you entertained)
The PKD and MOH will also notify your close contacts and get them to come in for testing. If you remember being in contact with anyone within the past two weeks, do inform the authorities about them.
All Clear?
We hope this has cleared up some of your doubts and questions about the COVID-19 swab test! As an ending note, we'd like to encourage all Malaysians to continue being cautious and responsible during these difficult times - stay home, stay safe, mask up, and wash your hands frequently ok!
Book Your In-Home Or Drive-Thru Swab Test On Klook!
Need a swab? You can now book drive-thru, walk-in, and in-home COVID-19 swab tests on Klook from as low as RM200! Reliable swab test services in KL, Selangor, and nationwide around Malaysia bookable on Klook:
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