It is absolutely useless to send us (OneDoc) a request, we are not in contact with the centers and do not have access to this information.
Requests to OneDoc in this regard will be ignored by our support service.
Last modification 11.10.2021
The range of different tests and their availability is evolving constantly. The details of each test can be found in the text and the video below.
PCR test
A positive PCR test indicates you are infected with the COVID-19 virus. PCR tests can be done by means of a nose and throat swab, a throat swab or a saliva sample. For this reason, some institutions may also do a PCR test on a saliva sample. The result is generally available within 24 to 48 hours. The swab is done by your doctor or at a hospital or test centre. The sample is then analysed in a licensed laboratory.
Pooled PCR test
In a pooled PCR test, the saliva samples of several people are combined in one pooled sample. The laboratory analyses this pooled sample. If the result of the pooled sample is positive, individual samples will subsequently have to be taken to identify which person is infected. For this purpose an individual PCR test will be done.
Rapid antigen test
Rapid antigen tests yield a result within 15 to 20 minutes. Like PCR tests, they determine whether you are infected with the new coronavirus. The test is done by means of a nose and throat swab. It cannot be done on a saliva sample. Since rapid antigen tests yield a less reliable result than PCR tests, in certain situations a positive result from a rapid test will be confirmed with a PCR test.
Antigen self-test
You can test yourself for coronavirus using an antigen self-test. You take the sample yourself by doing a nose swab, and then read off the result. The result of the test is available within 15 to 20 minutes. Follow the enclosed instructions on how to carry out a self-test. Self-tests can determine whether you are contagious at the time of the test.
Caution: Self-tests provide a less reliable result than PCR tests or rapid antigen tests. It is therefore possible that even if the test is negative, you may be infected with coronavirus and be able to pass it on to others. This is why self-tests are no substitute for the hygiene and social distancing rules and any precautionary measures that are in place. In other words, even if you get a negative result, you should still keep your distance, wear a mask and wash your hands. However, the self-test provides extra protection in addition to these measures. It can make sense to do a self-test before a meeting that is taking place anyway (e.g. before an outdoor barbecue or training session at a youth sports club); in this case it should be done immediately before the event in question.
In the following situations, we advise you not to use a self-test and instead to get tested by a professional at your doctor’s, at a pharmacy, in a hospital or at a testing centre:
- You have coronavirus symptoms.
- You have had contact with someone who has tested positive.
- You are in quarantine.
- You wish to spend time around people at especially high risk.
- You need a negative test result to enter Switzerland. You’ll find information on this on the page Entering Switzerland.
Serological test
Serological tests detect certain antibodies in the blood, in this case those developed against the new coronavirus. The presence of a person’s own antibodies indicates that they have already been in contact with the virus or have been vaccinated. Serological tests are very useful for studies of the population, for example to monitor the development of herd immunity. They are currently not recommended in general because they provide only limited information about the degree and duration of protection from possible re-infection.