What to Expect When Getting a COVID-19 Test
COVID-19 Test
COVID-19 testing is a simple and convenient method for detecting the presence of the virus. It can be performed using a finger prick, swab taken from the back of the throat, or blood sample. It can detect antibodies and active COVID-19 infection. Some antigen tests are available within minutes of administration, while others require additional laboratory time. You should know what to expect when getting a COVID-19 test.
The first step is to determine if you have had COVID-19 before. There are several types of tests, and it is important to select the most reliable one. Rapid and sensitive COVID-19 testing is available at hospitals, health departments, and some clinics. However, rapid COVID-19 diagnostic testing is not available everywhere. You may need to send a sample to a specialized lab for analysis. Regardless of the method used, the results may take a few days.
Rapid and antigen tests detect bits of the virus’s surface. They take 15 to 30 minutes to perform. While they are less sensitive than PCR tests, rapid antigen tests are most accurate within a few days of the onset of symptoms and the maximum amount of virus is present in the body. Your healthcare provider may order a PCR test to confirm a negative result if you have had the virus for at least five days.
The second COVID-19 diagnostic test is a serologic test that looks for antibodies that your body’s immune system creates. This type of COVID-19 infection-specific serologic test looks for antibodies that were specifically created to fight the virus. It is not possible to detect COVID-19 infections by this method, as the antibodies only develop one to three weeks after infection. Therefore, this test is not useful in detecting an active Covid19 infection.
What to Expect When Getting a COVID-19 Test
The positive COVID-19 test is also important for people who have been in close contact with someone who has been infected. A positive result means that you have been exposed to the virus and may have antibodies that protect you against future infection. It is important to take precautions while you are out and about. While COVID-19 testing does not prevent you from getting infected, it will provide you with a vital health report.
Although COVID-19 is a relatively new disease, most people who get it are not symptomatic. Symptoms can mimic those of other respiratory infections and flu. Nevertheless, the disease can still cause health problems and can be fatal. Those who are infected are encouraged to seek medical attention to ensure their health. But it is essential to know whether you have symptoms of the virus. If you suspect that you have this disease, the best way to determine whether you’re at risk is to be tested by a physician.
Because COVID-19 is a relatively new disease, you will need a doctor’s appointment to obtain a positive result. The tests can take anywhere from two to three days, depending on the lab partner and other factors. At the Oneida location, you will receive the results of the test in 48 hours. The lab can also do the PCR test for you. You should note that COVID-19 testing may require a follow-up appointment if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.