The PCR route

More than a million people have tested positive for covid-19 since the coronavirus crisis hit Spain.

A figure that corresponds to the data of positives by PCR or antigen tests, according to the official count.

But that is far from the real number of infections, which may be at least 3.5 million, according to estimates by experts and the Ministry of Health itself.

The journey that begins with the collection of the sample for a PCR and until the positive result enters those official databases has numerous aspects that are revealed in this video report: where does Spain buy the PCR kits, how much each one is worth, what is it the protocol that Health follows with respect to the positives, why there are delays in the autonomous communities in the count or the new element that is introduced now with the positives by antigen tests.

The route:

The types of tests

Gemma Rodríguez-Tarduchy, head of the Genomics service at the Alberto Sols Biomedical Research Institute (CSIC-UAM) explains the differences between PCR, antigen and serological tests.

Its advantages and disadvantages and its greater or lesser effectiveness.

Purchasing PCR kits

Elena García Sevillano, journalist from EL PAÍS, reveals where Spain buys the PCR kits and how much it costs the state government, through the National Institute of Health Management, and the autonomous communities, through their respective ministries, to purchase it material.

Manufacture of PCR kits

We entered one of the few Spanish companies that manufactures systematized PCR kits in Spain: Genomica.

The Madrid-based company was the first in Spain to obtain European certification to sell covid-19 kits last March.

Protocol for ordering PCR

Pablo Linde, a journalist from EL PAÍS, details who in Spain is required to undergo a PCR and what exceptions can be made to the regulations.

And what happens now with the introduction of antigen testing.

Analysis of samples

Juan Cuadros, head of the Clinical Microbiology service at the Hospital Príncipe de Asturias in Madrid, explains the steps that are followed to analyze a sample and what to do when the result is positive, together with members of his team.

Data dump

Kiko Llaneras, EL PAÍS Data journalist, explains how the flow of all positive information for covid-19 is managed and why delays occur in some autonomous communities.

In addition to how antigen positives are now counted.