Testing for Covid19

What should you do if you suspect you have COVID-19?

If you suspect you have been infected with COVID-19, or after being in close contact with someone who tested positive, it is recommended to take a home COVID-19 test. If the result is positive, and depending on how you feel, you can contact your physician for consultation — via online correspondence, a phone appointment, or a video call. If you test positive, it is important to be cautious around others: keep your distance, wear a mask, and protect those around you.

We have gathered information for you about COVID-19 testing.

Home COVID-19 Test

Home test kits are available for purchase at pharmacies.
The test does not require laboratory processing, and results are available within 15–30 minutes.

If you receive a positive COVID-19 result, you should contact your personal physician as you would for any other illness.

Please note: In the case of a positive home test, treatment can be prescribed based on the result and a medical assessment, without the need for an institutional (lab-based) test.

Currently, there is no isolation requirement for people who test positive, and recovery certificates are no longer issued. However, it is still important to take precautions to prevent infection - avoid close contact, use masks, wash hands, and protect those around you.

Taking a home test

Before performing the test, check the expiration date, read the specific instructions included with the kit you purchased, review the following guidelines, and wash your hands thoroughly.
Open the foil packaging and carefully remove the test strip.
Take out the swab and insert it into your throat. Rotate the swab several times in your mouth, making contact with the pharynx. Remove it from your mouth and gently insert it into one nostril (with the soft tip going in) to a depth of about 2 cm. Rotate the swab inside the nostril for 10 seconds, making contact with the nasal lining. Repeat the process in the other nostril using the same swab.
Remove the cap from the test tube and insert the swab until the soft tip touches the liquid. Rotate the swab inside the tube at least 10 times to transfer the biological material into the test liquid.
Press the sides of the tube, remove the swab, and discard it. Close the tube with the cap and drip 4 drops of liquid into the sample well on the test device provided in the kit.
Wait 15–30 minutes and then check the results. Results read before or after this time window are not accurate or reliable.

Two lines (Test line T and Control line C) – Positive result
The result is positive for COVID-19. In this case, it is recommended to avoid crowded places and minimize contact with others as much as possible, especially with people who are immunocompromised or at risk. Be sure to wash your hands frequently, ventilate the room, and rest as long as you are not feeling well.

Control line (C) only – Negative result
If you still do not feel well, it is recommended to rest and avoid social contacts as much as possible.

No lines / Test line T only – Invalid test
You should perform a new test.

PCR Testing

PCR tests are performed only at Leumit testing sites. You can schedule an appointment for Leumit PCR sampling stations through the appointment system on the Leumit website or app, or by calling the customer service center at *507. When scheduling, a referral and authorization will be automatically generated for you.

Receiving Test Results

Results will be displayed on the Leumit website and app, under the “Lab Test Results” tab.

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COVID-19 vaccines

Updated COVID-19 vaccines provide stronger protection against today’s most common variants. At Leumit, vaccinations are available from 6 months of age, with age-appropriate dosing, and are especially recommended for at-risk groups. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and book your appointment easily on the website or app.

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Testing for Covid19