COVID-19 TESTING
WHEN TO GET TESTED
You should get tested when you are experiencing symptoms, think you've been exposed to/ contracted COVID-19, think you've previously been exposed to/ contracted COVID-19, and/or are otherwise advised to get tested by a doctor or medical provider.
**The CDC has created a self-checker system for those who aren't sure if they need to be tested. Click here to go to the CDC website and click on, "Self-check your symptoms".**
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HOW TO GET TESTED
There are currently three different types of COVID-19 testing:
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PCR (Active) Testing:
Polymerase Chain Reaction, commonly referred to as "PCR" COVID-19 testing is done by taking a nasoesophegeal swab sample.
These tests are used to determine if a patient has an active COVID-19 infection.
Usually the results come back in a few days.
If positive. the patient is guided and treated.
If negative, the patient is advised to still follow Federal and Local COVID-19 Guidelines.
**PCR Testing is done by self referral. A physician may recommend you get the test done, but does not need to order it. However, you will most likely need to followup with a physician/hospital if you are positive. It may be in your best interest to be affiliated with a physician if you are considering getting a PCR test.**
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Antigen (Rapid-Response) Testing:
Antigen COVID-19 testing is commonly done by taking a nasoesophegeal swab sample.
These tests are used to determine if a patient has an active COVID-19 infection.
Antigen tests are considered "Point-Of-Care" tests. Meaning, they are usually used in places like Nursing Homes, Urgent Care and Hospitals.
Usually the results come back anytime between 15 minutes-2 days.
If positive, the patient is guided and treated.
If negative, the patient is advised to still follow Federal and Local COVID-19 Guidelines.
**Antigen Testing can be ordered by a physician, or you can self refer. However, many testing facilites require you to have a prescription from your physician to obtain an Antigen test. You will most likely need to followup with a physician/hospital if you are positive as well. It may be in your best interest to be affiliated with a physician if you are considering getting an Antigen test.**
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Serology (Inactive) Antibody Testing:
COVID-19 Antibody testing is done via blood sample collection.
These tests are used to determine if a patient has had a previous COVID-19 infection, or has COVID-19 antibodies.
Usually results come back in a few days.
Those who are negative for antibodies are deemed still actively at risk to contracting COVID-19, and should still follow Federal and Local COVID-19 Guidelines.
Those who are positive for antibodies may be immune to future COVID-19 infections. However, this is not 100% proven.
Even if you are positive for antibodies, some recent studies have shown, although rare, it is possible to be reinfected with COVID-19. With that considered, patients should still follow Federal and Local COVID-19 Guidelines.
**Serology Antibody Testing can be ordered by a physician, or you can self refer. However, if you self refer there may be an additional fee from the laboratory so an independent physician will review your results. It may be in your best interest to be affiliated with a physician if you are considering getting an Antibody test.**
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WHERE TO BE TESTED
This depends on what type of test you are getting, your preferences, and what laboratories your insurance provider is affiliated with. **Please contact your insurance provider to find out which laboratories they are affiliated with.**
HERE IS A LIST OF SOME OF THE TESTING SITES WE ARE AWARE OF:
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CareNow
Perform PCR, Antigen, and Serology Antibody Testing
Appointments are not required but highly encouraged
Do not offer same day testing in some cases
For a list of locations, phone numbers, hours, and to schedule an appointment with them, click here
CVS
Perform PCR and Antigen Testing
Require an appointment
For a list of locations, phone numbers, hours, and to schedule an appointment with them, click here
LabCorp
Perform PCR and Serology Antibody Testing
Appointments are not required but encouraged
For PCR Testing:
You cannot go to a LabCorp facility
Their PCR testing is done with a Home Collection Kit
To order a kit, click here
For Serology Antibody Testing:
SNHD
For a list of locations, phone numbers, hours, to schedule an appointment, or for any further information, click here
This data/information was last updated on 01/14/2021 it may not be current/accurate at the time of reading. Monica J. Wall, M.D. LTD. reserves the right to update/change this data/information at any time. If you have any further questions, please contact us. Any links or companies sourced on this Website are not affiliated with, financially affiliated with, and/or endorsed by Monica J. Wall, M.D. LTD., it's operators and/or it's affiliates unless otherwise indicated.