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Published on: Jul 09, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rakesh Choudhary

COVID- 19 Tests – What Do You Need To Know?

COVID- 19 tests – What do you need to know?

Author: Dr. Rakesh Choudhary MBBS, MS, FRCS UK, FRCS Orth UK, MChOrth UK.

Dr. Choudhary is a practicing consultant surgeon in the UK.

So many of us think it is not their job to learn about COVID-19 tests and this should be left for the experts and governments to decide about these tests. But I strongly suggest the public must have a basic understanding of these tests which they may have to have themselves.

Basically there are two types of tests, one which can detect the virus in the body and the other one which tells if the person had the previous infection.

Virus test

The virus test detects an active infection. It detects the genetic material (RNA) of the virus during an active infection. It is also called a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test or nucleic acid test and is sometimes inaccurately called an antigen test.

A swab is taken from deep in the back of your throat and deep in the nose. The swab should go deep up to 7-8 cm and is generally uncomfortable for the patient. Swabbing patients using the correct technique is paramount in ensuring an accurate result. By simply swabbing the inside of the nasal passage is not deep enough to verify that the virus is present.

What does virus testing tell you?

This test tells us if a patient is actively infected with the COVID-19 virus. Virus testing is used mainly for the diagnosis of COVID-19.

When should it be done?

The virus test works best during the first seven days of symptoms.

The coronavirus can be detected in swabs even before symptoms of illness first appear . This is why people can be infectious for a few days before the onset of symptoms, which usually appear about 5 days after the virus infects. Some people have no symptoms throughout their infection but are positive on the virus test and infectious to others. After a few days of illness, the concentration of the virus falls (as seen in swab samples) and the symptoms of the illness usually recede.

Accuracy of the test

In a person with COVID-19, the test is less likely to give a positive result late in the course of infection once the virus has been cleared by the immune system, or if an inadequate sample is taken from the nose or throat. There are concerns that the rate of ‘false negative’ test results could be as high as 30% and a significant number of people are wrongly being told they do not have the virus.

Antibody test

Antibody tests check your blood by looking for antibodies, which may tell you if you had a past infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. Antibodies are protein structures that are produced by the immune system in response to certain infections. The antibody can help fight off infections and can provide protection against getting that disease again (immunity). Antibodies are disease-specific. For example, measles antibodies will protect you from getting measles if you are exposed to it.

The antibody test detects the presence of antibodies as a marker of past infection. The antibody test (blood test) will only detect infections after the immune system has produced antibodies that recognize the virus. This happens approximately 7–10 days after symptoms develop.

Tests carried out a week after a patient develops symptoms will detect only 30% of people who had COVID-19 infection. Accuracy increases to 72% at two weeks and to 94% in the third week. Some people may take even longer to develop antibodies, and some people who are infected may not ever develop antibodies.

Interpretation of the antibody test is complex for non-medical people. Basically having antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19 may provide protection from getting infected with the virus again. If it does, we do not know how much protection the antibodies may provide or how long this protection may last.

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Lipid Profile Test – Normal Range and Risks

Keeping your heart healthy isn’t just about staying active or eating green veggies. It also means knowing what’s going on inside your body—especially your cholesterol levels. One of the best ways to track this is through a lipid profile test.

If you’re wondering what this test means, what the numbers should be, and what risks you face if they're abnormal—this blog is for you.

Let’s dive into lipid profile test – normal range and risks in easy and clear language.

What Is a Lipid Profile Test?

A lipid profile test is a blood test that measures the amount of fat (lipids) in your blood. These lipids include different types of cholesterol and triglycerides.

The test helps evaluate your risk of heart disease, stroke, and clogged arteries.

What Does the Lipid Profile Test Measure?

A complete lipid profile usually measures:

Total Cholesterol – the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – the “bad” cholesterol that can block arteries
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – the “good” cholesterol that protects your heart
Triglycerides – a type of fat that provides energy but can cause heart issues in high amounts

Sometimes, the test also calculates VLDL and a cholesterol/HDL ratio to better assess your health risks.

Lipid Profile – Normal Range

Understanding what your numbers mean is key. Here are the recommended normal ranges:

Test Component	Normal Range
Total Cholesterol	Less than 200 mg/dL
LDL (Bad Cholesterol)	Less than 100 mg/dL
HDL (Good Cholesterol)	40 mg/dL or more (men), 50+ (women)
Triglycerides	Less than 150 mg/dL

Note: Values may vary slightly depending on labs and age. Always consult your doctor for interpretation.

Why Is This Test Important?

High cholesterol usually shows no symptoms. That’s why it's called a silent threat.

Your arteries may slowly get clogged without you knowing it, increasing the risk of:

Heart attacks
Strokes
Peripheral artery disease
High blood pressure

A lipid profile gives an early warning so you can make timely changes to protect your heart.

Risks of Abnormal Lipid Profile

Here’s what happens when the results are not in the normal range:

High LDL Cholesterol

Builds plaque in your arteries
Increases risk of heart attack or stroke

Low HDL Cholesterol

Reduces protection for your heart
Makes it easier for bad cholesterol to stick to artery walls

High Triglycerides

Can lead to pancreatitis and diabetes
Often linked with obesity and poor lifestyle

High Total Cholesterol

General risk marker for cardiovascular diseases

Causes of High Cholesterol or Triglycerides

Unhealthy diet (high in fried, fatty, and sugary foods)
Lack of physical activity
Smoking and alcohol consumption
Obesity
Diabetes or thyroid problems
Genetic/family history of high cholesterol

How to Improve Your Lipid Profile Naturally

If your test results are abnormal, you don’t always need medicine right away. Often, small changes in your lifestyle can bring big improvements.

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
Avoid processed food, red meat, and fried items
Include omega-3 rich foods like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts

Exercise Regularly

30 minutes of walking, yoga, cycling, or swimming at least 5 days a week

Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol

These habits lower HDL and increase LDL

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Losing even 5–10% of body weight can improve lipid levels

How and When to Take the Lipid Profile Test

When to Take:

Once every 12 months for adults above 30
More often if you have heart disease, diabetes, obesity, or a family history

Fasting Required?

Yes, you should fast for 8–12 hours before giving the blood sample for the most accurate results.

Can I Get This Test at Home?

Yes! Platforms like SecondMedic.com offer home sample collection for the Lipid Profile Test, powered by trusted labs like Thyrocare.

You just book the test online, and a technician collects the sample from your doorstep. Results are available digitally within 24–48 hours.

Total cholesterol over 240 mg/dL, LDL over 160 mg/dL, and triglycerides over 200 mg/dL are considered high-risk levels.

Conclusion

A lipid profile test is a simple yet powerful tool that gives deep insights into your heart health. Knowing the normal range and understanding the risks of abnormal levels can help you take control early and live a longer, healthier life.

Stay proactive about your health. Book a lipid profile test – normal range and risks checkup today and make heart-smart choices.

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