What You Need to Know About COVID-19 Testing

As healthcare professionals, it is our duty and responsibility to ensure our clients and patients are well informed, and have all the knowledge they need to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy.

The Coronavirus swooped in earlier this year and hit us all like a tidal wave. From its origin until today, we’ve witnessed our country face some seriously tumultuous times. Schools have closed, businesses have had to shut down, travel was halted, and millions of Americans have either contracted COVID-19, or know someone close to them that did.

America is known for its resiliency, and this situation is no exception. However, it’s easier to fight back when we possess critical knowledge as it pertains to our health. Below are the two (2) main types of Coronavirus testing available today:

Antibody Test: in a nutshell, a positive antibody test is presumed to mean a person has been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, sometime in the past. It does not mean the patient is currently infected. It is understood that antibodies begin to develop within 1 to 3 weeks after infection.

• This test can provide results in as quickly as 15 minutes

PCR (Swab) Test: this test is used to detect Coronavirus in present time. It allows patients to know whether or not they have the virus actively. This type of test, however, will not indicate to the patient if they were infected with Coronavirus in the past. This test can be performed via a nasal or throat swab. Samples are then sent to a lab for processing.

• Results for this test can be obtained in 12, 24, or 48 hours, depending on the test

We hope the above information will serve as a guide to you in selecting the proper testing for your household or workplace. Should you ever have any additional questions about Coronavirus testing or lab tests in general, please contact us here.