The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) COVID-19 Testing Process is a multi-stage diagnostic protocol meticulously designed to identify the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the global COVID-19 pandemic. With its roots deeply embedded in scientific rigor and precision, this process follows a systematic pathway to ascertain the infection status of individuals, thus facilitating effective disease management, contact tracing, and containment efforts.
At the core of the process lies the collection of patient specimens, often through methods such as nasopharyngeal swabs or saliva samples. These samples are then transported under controlled conditions to CARPHA-affiliated laboratories, where skilled professionals employ cutting-edge molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. This involves amplifying and analyzing genetic material to detect the presence of the virus's genetic signature.