A user comparison of COVID 19 tests in different countries

One of the interesting things about our crazy lifestyle is that we get to compare a lot of things between countries. Some, like wines, are fun comparison tests. Others, like COVID tests are not. While we have been in the UK we needed to get a compulsory COVID19 test when my kiddo had an ear infection, to verify his high temperature and general snottiness were not COVID symptoms. In Chile we had a close contact with a COVID patient so also need a test. Here is a quick comparison of the test.

Chile:

• paid by our health fund. Can be up to 12mil if you need to pay in person, but our fund paid for our test.

• Had to attend a medical clinic.

• Performed by a medical technician who made a very vigorous effort to reach my brains through my sinuses and/or stimulate my gag reflex by shoving the q-tip very deeply inside my body

• Results in 36 hours more or less

UK

• Paid by the government under the NHS. Test rate seems to be about 3 to 4 times as high per capita compared to Chile.

• Book online, self administered tests. (Tests handed to us by army personnel in an airport carport about 30 miles from home, which was only available appointment). substantially more comfortable and q tips much quicker so did not penetrate sinuses in the same way.

• Results in 24 hours by text message, 1 of 4 was not a valid test sample apparently.

All in all, I think the UK system lends itself to easier and more comfortable testing but I’m not sure Iftars his has any implication for accuracy.