Today, my throat felt slightly irritated, so I ordered a PCR test through the Meituan app. I placed the order at 15:10. The test kit was delivered to my doorstep by 15:36. At 17:27, I received a text message reminding me to check the test results.
The results showed I was infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), with a detected concentration of 2.04×10³ copies/mL, which is relatively low. Other pathogens tested, including influenza, COVID-19, and over a dozen others, were negative. Pneumococcus is a commensal bacterium that can exist in healthy individuals. I suspect the infection was likely triggered by colder temperatures and catching a chill while sleeping. Given that I consistently wear masks outdoors, transmission from others seems unlikely.
The app also offered one-click ordering for recommended medications: cephalosporin antibiotics and cough suppressants, totaling 30 RMB (~4 USD), with delivery promised within 20 minutes. As I already had these medications at home, no purchase was necessary. The app additionally provides instant access to masks, hand sanitizers, and even automated generation of sick leave certificates.
This was my experience today, shared for your reference.
How is COVID-19 testing conducted in China?
In China, affordable and fast PCR testing is available in major cities. Several companies provide this service, and the process is simple—just place an order through a mobile app.
Within two hours, a healthcare worker will arrive at your specified address with a sampling kit, which includes:
🔻A long swab for throat sampling
🔻A short swab for nasal sampling
🔻A test tube to keep the samples
After collecting the samples, you place both swabs back into the provided test tube and return it to the worker. They will then deliver it to a lab for analysis. Typically, results are available on the app within three hours.
There are two testing options for respiratory pathogens:
🔻Basic Panel (RMB 99 / ~$14 USD) – Tests for:
🔹Flu A
🔹Flu B
🔹COVID-19
🔹Human rhinovirus
🔹adenovirus
🔹Mycoplasma pneumoniae
🔹Streptococcus pneumoniae
🔹Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
🔹human coronaviruses (non-COVID)
🔹Human parainfluenza virus
🔹Haemophilus influenzae
🔻Extended Panel (RMB 159 / ~$22 USD) – Includes all pathogens from the Basic Panel, plus:
🔹Group A Streptococcus
🔹Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough)
This option also provides pathogen load (viral/bacterial concentration) in addition to positive/negative results.
Once you receive your PCR test report, the same app allows you to purchase appropriate medications for treatment.
I consider it very convenient. Whenever my family member is not feel well, I will arrange a PCR test for them.
Specially I can avoid taking kids to the hospital, where is quite risky.