Frequently asked questions
Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions about the Corona test.
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How does the rapid antigen test work?
How reliable and safe is the rapid antigen test?
What's the difference between the antigen and RT-PCR Test?
The swab is either extracted from the nasal or throat cavity (of your choice with the rapid antigen test) or the throat (RT-PCR-Test).
The difference also relates to the evaluation of the samples. While the antigen test is analysed immediately by our medically trained staff, the sample of the RT-PCR test needs to be sent to a laboratory to search genetic material of the virus, which will indicate the presence of an infection. As a result, the rapid antigen test provides you with a quicker result and the RT-PCR test with a more reliable result. The RT-PCR test is also able to detect a small viral load and therefore able to detect a possible infection in a very early stage.
How do I receive the result?
We provide you with the result via email. Additionally, you can look up the result through the provided QR code. It will direct you to the result.
Which documents do I need to provide?
Do I need to be early?
How much is the test and how do I pay for it?
From what age onwards can I get tested?
Generally speaking, infants are eligible for testing. However, for children and adolescents under the age of 16, parents must book, pay and be present for the appointment. For minors over 16 years, instead of the presence of the parents a declaration of consent is sufficient. For larger families, we advise to plan a little more time to ensure a smooth process.
What happens if my result is positive?
Can I travel with a negative test result?
If you’re planning to travel, we advise you to check the requirements of the travel destination country. Unfortunately, these differ from country to country. As a result, we cannot guarantee that a negative test result will be enough to travel. You can find current requirements from the countries here.
Current information about requirements within Germany you can find here.
In most of the cases either our PCR-test or our antigen rapid test should be enough prove to travel to all countries.
How does the PCR-test work?
First, we will take a swab from the throat cavity. Then, the DNA sample is to the laboratory. In a special method the taken DNA is then multiplied and analysed. You will receive the result via e-mail within the following day in >95% of the cases when tested until 5:30 pm*. For more detailed information about the PCR-test, check the following link: PCR-test.
For information about the process in general check the following link: Process.
Sat-Sun: The PCR test result is available in 2 days in more than 95% of cases after sampling. In a few cases, for example if the result is unclear and the analysis has to be carried out again, the results can also be made available later.
Which test do I need for traveling?
This depends on the destination. Even though the PCR laboratory test is recognized in most countries, a default answer is not possible. You can find out which test is currently required for your particular travel destination on this page of the German Foreign Office.
Where is my PCR test result?
Please note that from Monday to Friday:
The PCR test result will be available the following day in more than 95% of cases after sample collection when tested until 5:30 pm. In a few cases, for example in case of an unclear result and a resulting re-run of the analysis, the evaluation may take longer.
From Saturday to Sunday the following applies:
The PCR test result is available in approx. 2 days in more than 95% of cases after sample collection. In a few cases, for example in the case of an unclear result and a resulting re-run of the analysis, the evaluation may take longer.
In very rare cases, e.g. shortly before holidays, a result may also take longer due to then extremely increased demand and limited capacity of the laboratory. In this case, the laboratory apologizes in advance for any occuring delays.
When do I need a PCR test?
The PCR test provides the most accurate result and can also detect a low viral load in the early stages. For this reason it is an accepted proof for travel in most - but not all - countries. However, which test is required for travel varies from country to country. On this page of the German Foreign Office you can find out whether you need a PCR test to entry your destination country.
When will I receive my test result?
This depends on the test type.
For the rapid antigen test, which is also performed in the free citizen test, the result is available after only 20 minutes and will be sent to you via e-mail.
For the PCR test, the sample taken is sent to our laboratory where it will be analysed first. This process takes a more time.
From Monday to Friday:
The PCR test result will be available the following day in more than 95% of cases after sample collection when tested until 5:30 pm. In a few cases, for example in case of an unclear result and a resulting re-run of the analysis, the evaluation may take longer.
From Saturday to Sunday the following applies:
The PCR test result is available in approx. 2 days in more than 95% of cases after sample collection. In a few cases, for example in the case of an unclear result and a resulting re-run of the analysis, the evaluation may take longer.
In very rare cases, e.g. shortly before holidays, a result may also take longer due to then extremely increased demand and limited capacity of the laboratory. In this case, the laboratory apologizes in advance for any occuring delays.
Will my test result also be in English?
Yes you will receive your test result in English as well.
Which information will be on my test result?
Your name, date of birth, the type of the performed test and the of course the result.
With the result of the rapid antigen test or free citizen test you will also find the sensitivity and the time of the sample taken from you.
With the result of the PCR test you will also find the time of the sample taken from you and the time of the evaluation.
How long is the result of the rapid antigen test valid?
The result of the rapid antigen test or free citizen test is valid for 8 to 12 hours.
When do I need a rapid antigen test?
Currently, you can travel to some countries with the rapid antigen test. You can find out whether the rapid antigen test is sufficient as proof for your travel destination on this page of the German Foreign Office or if you need to do a PCR test. With the rapid antigen test you can also shorten or end your quarantine and report to Germany after entry.
What is the citizen test?
The citizen test is a rapid antigen test. With the support from the Senate of Berlin, we offer this test for all people with a German address or whose usual domicile is in Germany free of charge once per day.
Is the citizen test really free of charge?
Yes. In cooperation with the Senate of Berlin, we offer a free rapid antigen test - the citizen test - for all people with a German address or whose usual domicile is in Germany once per day.
Where can I book an appointment for the citizen test?
You can book an appointment the citizen test via our website or you can click here.
Can I drop by spontaneously?
In order to avoid waiting time for all test persons, we kindly ask you to book appointments online beforehand. You can access our appointment booking system via the buttons on our homepage here.
Can I rebook my appointment?
Yes. Therefore you can write an email with your request to service@symedic.berlin. In the mail we need the following information from you for the rebooking: name, date of birth, booking code and the new and available appointment slot of your choice.
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