top of page

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • What is an Antibody Test?

Antibody tests, also known as serological or blood tests, rely on identifying the immune response of an individual. These antibody tests are important for establishing who has had the virus, especially because many people infected seem to show no symptoms (asymptomatic carriers), and to confirm hospital discharge.

  • What is an Antigen Test?

Antigen tests, also known as rapid diagnostic tests, detect viral proteins called antigens which are present in the COVID-19 virus. The antigens detected are identified only when the virus is actively replicating. This is why such tests are best used to identify currently infected people. The test is usually done upon request or following a positive antibody test. 

  • What is a Molecular PCR Swab Test?

Molecular PCR test, also known as real-time PCR nasopharyngeal test, is a diagnostic test that uses a nasal swab which collects samples of cells and fluids from your respiratory system and detects genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus using a lab technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). 

  • What are the differences among Antibody, Antigen, and Molecular PCR Tests?

  • How samples are taken: Antibody Test (blood draw/finger prick), Antigen (nasal or throat swab), Molecular Test (nasal or throat swab, saliva)

  • Rapid Tests: Antigen and Antibody

  • Swab Tests: Antigen and Molecular

  • Results: Antibody Test (if you’ve ever had coronavirus in the past), Antigen (active coronavirus infection), Molecular (active coronavirus infection) 

  • Why should I choose ISPS instead of another company for Rapid Testing?

ISPS offers custom-tailored COVID-19 testing services specifically designed to address each and every client’s needs. The all-inclusive service package includes customized personnel allocations, costing, schedule management, and venue suggestions in order to suit the clients’ schedule and capabilities. The ISPS team’s efficient and streamlined process allows for a turnaround time of as fast as under 24 hours, depending on the requested manpower or the number of subjects to be tested.

  • What is environmental disinfection?

Environmental disinfection refers to the process by which contamination in a particular immediate surrounding environment is reduced to a level that is not harmful to health through the following methods: cleaning, disinfection, and a combination of both.

  • What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?

In a global viral outbreak, it’s crucial to understand the huge difference between simply cleaning, mere removal or surface debris, and disinfection, elimination of microbes such as germs, bacteria, and viruses that pose a threat to human health.

  • What is bio-fogging?

Electric bio-fogging is a cleaning treatment done by trained professionals to eliminate hazardous microbial bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may germinate in areas that are usually unreachable by common measures. It creates a mist which safely, quickly, and effectively sanitize surfaces that conventional cleaning cannot cover. 

 

The fogging process is rapid and efficient. The biocide particles in the mist or fog are so small that they remain suspended in the air long enough to kill airborne viruses and bacteria. The biocide also eliminates pathogens on surfaces, including ceilings and walls as well as furniture and floors.

  • Is fogging effective?

Yes. Fogging is a well-recognised disinfection technique for advanced sterilization of large areas, entire interiors, including atmosphere, furnitures, and surfaces. The ‘fog’ is in the form of a fine mist which helps eliminate pathogens in places that often cannot be reached by conventional cleaning, including ceilings, walls, floors, carpets, fabrics and areas which are otherwise inaccessible. The fogging disperses quickly and also ‘freshens’ and leaves an area ready for use.

  • Difference in particle size

The advantage that ULV foggers have over thermal foggers is that they allow you to control the particle size. On standard ULV foggers, you’ll have the option of setting the particle size from 5–50 microns. Higher airflow will produce larger particles while lower airflow will produce smaller particles. This means ULV Foggers will allow you to efficiently fog in various types of areas, spaces, and locations.

​

  • When To Use Smaller Particles:

You might want to use smaller particles indoors since they stay in the air for longer and can reach smaller gaps and holes in the walls and floor as well as the spaces behind furniture and other tight spaces. Smaller particles are better when you want to kill mosquitoes since the most effective droplet size for this is from 5–20 microns.

​

  • When To Use Larger Particles:

For larger insects and bugs that live outdoors, you’ll want to use a larger droplet size of 50 microns or more. Even a small breeze can blow smaller droplets away from the target area with ease. Larger particles, on the other hand, will reach the target area even in slightly windy conditions.

  • What does ULV mean?

Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) Fogger is a device traditionally used for disinfecting spaces and surrounding air. ULVs use high volumes of air at low pressure to produce aerosol droplets, which are then dispersed along with the fog that the machine emits. A ULV Cold Fogger is ideal for closed and open areas, perfect for thoroughly sanitizing office desks, equipment, and other smaller surfaces. ULV foggers are practically odorless which makes them much more pleasant to use than other types of equipment, especially indoors.

  • What is misting?

Misting is the traditional environmental disinfection method used in offices, schools, open/closed areas. Not all misting services are created equally. The misting solution is key to the effectiveness of the service done. Misting emits the solution onto surfaces and quickly eliminates the presence of germs, viruses, bacteria, and other harmful microbes. It’s important to choose misting solutions that are: 1) formulated and meant for misting 2) safe for use and does not cause dangerous side effects 3) effective against the targeted pathogen (in this case, SARS-CoV-2).

  • Why should I choose ISPS instead of another company for Misting/Fogging?

ISPS is composed of a team of professionals specifically trained in environmental disinfection methods like misting and fogging. We are the official partner of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) in the national COVID-19 response, spearheading the construction and disinfection of the Philippines’ largest COVID-19 testing and quarantine facilities.

bottom of page