We provide COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Rapid Diagnostic Testing service for ship crews.
This is in line with efforts to make testing more accessible for ship vessels and safeguard the health of crews.
COVID-19 Rapid Diagnostic (RDT) Test Service
For Rapid Diagnostic Test, it detects certain proteins in the virus.
Using a long nasal swab (nasopharyngeal swab) or throat swab to get a fluid sample,
antigen tests can produce results in minutes.
The nurse will conduct the specimen collection using Nasopharyngeal swab onboard the ship.
If results are tested non-negative, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmatory swab is required.
COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test Service
For PCR test, samples of cells and fluids from the nose or throat are often collected using a nasal swab,
before the samples are processed by a machine which detects the virus’s genetic material.
The nurse will conduct the specimen collection using Nasopharyngeal swab onboard the ship.
Result report will be made available 24 hours after specimen is collected.
Comparison: Key differences between the PCR, antigen, and antibody tests
| Differences | PCR Test | Antibody Test | Antigen Test |
| Biggest Difference | Detects early onset of current COVID-19 infection with best accuracy | Detects past infection with COVID-19 | Detects current COVID-19 infection more quickly but with less accuracy |
| Sample needed | Nasopharyngeal (nasal/throat) swab or saliva sample | Blood sample | Nasopharyngeal (nasal/throat) swab |
| Time to get results | Typically 24 hours – 1 week depending on location. However, there are some rapid tests that use PCR and can yield results within a few hours | Typically the same day or within 1-3 days | Less than one hour |
| When should you get it? | If you are experiencing symptoms or believe you had exposure to someone who has COVID-19. For travel to some states. | If you believe you have been infected with COVID-19 in the past | If you are experiencing symptoms or believe you had exposure to someone who has COVID-19. |
| How does it work? | Directly detects the presence of the virus genetic material (RNA) | Indirectly detects the virus by measuring the body’s immune response (IgM, IgG) to the virus | Directly detects molecules on the surface of the virus. |
| Drawbacks | May take a long time to get results if laboratory is backed up | Having the antibodies does not necessarily confer immunity to COVID-19 and it is unknown how long antibodies last | More prone to false-negative results than the molecular tests |
This service is only available onboard commercial cargo vessels for non-resident of Singapore.
Not available in Singapore land base.
For more information, please send an enquiry using the contact form.
