COVID-19 has been with us for 8 months now and isn’t going away anytime soon. Flu season is here, and winter is just around the corner, so many people are looking to get tested for COVID-19. The question is, what test do you need?
The three major types of testing are Antigen Tests (diagnostic), Molecular/PCR Tests (diagnostic), and Antibody Tests (antibody). Each of these tests represents a different way to track COVID-19:
- Antigen Tests: A diagnostic test for those who think they may have contracted COVID-19 5-7 days ago. Antigen tests look for whole antigen proteins in the body. Antigen tests are most accurate when done within 5-7 days of symptom onset or 5-7 days since you think you were exposed.
- Molecular/PCR Tests: A diagnostic test for those who think they may have contracted COVID, but are unsure of the exact date. Molecular tests can detect the smallest bit of COVID-19 genetic material.
- Antibody Tests: If you think you had COVID-19 IN THE PAST. Antibody tests can’t detect an active case of COVID-19! Antibody tests typically require 1-3 weeks after contracting COVID-19 to show positive results.
Reasons to Get a COVID-19 Test
COVID-19 is scary. You may have encountered a person who was COVID-positive or been in an environment where confirmed COVID cases were identified. Was this contact serious enough to warrant a test? Let’s look at what the CDC says about when to get tested.
Reasons to Get a Diagnostic Antigen or Molecular COVID-19 Test
- If you have had close or personal contact (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes) with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19.
- You have symptoms of COVID-19. Read this CDC article to determine whether your symptoms are the seasonal flu or COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm
- You are required by your employer or school to get a COVID-19 test.
- AIRLINE OR TRAVEL. If you are required by an employer, travel agency, or airline to get a COVID-19 test, you need to get a Molecular/PCR test. Remember to book this test at least 72-hours in advance, as 48 hours is the average estimate for results (during busy travel seasons it may take more time).
Remember, if you get tested you need to self-quarantine at home pending your test results. On top of that, follow the instructions of your healthcare provider regarding your pending test results. If you have further questions on what your test means, speak to your doctor.
Reasons to Get a COVID-19 Antibody Test
- You had close or personal contact (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes) with someone who had a confirmed case of COVID 2 weeks ago or further in the past (accuracy of COVID-19 antibody tests is still being researched, but waiting more than 3 months after contact may skew test results).
- You had symptoms of COVID-19 2 weeks ago or further in the past.
- You are required by your employer or school to get a COVID-19 Antibody Test.
What to do Before a COVID-19 Test
You need to take steps and precautions before your COVID-19 test to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. It is also a good idea to contact your healthcare provider to make sure you understand the instructions for your upcoming COVID-19 test.
- Call your healthcare provider or testing center. Make sure you show up on time and follow all protocols.
- Wear a Mask! This is the easiest way to protect yourself and those around you—whether waiting for your test date or just going out in general.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes. Throw any used tissues in a garbage can.
- Wash your hands. Especially after you sneeze or cough.
- Avoid sharing items. If you live with other people, make sure to wash or sanitize any shared surfaces or areas.
What to do After a COVID-19 Test
Make sure to ask your healthcare provider how long it takes to get test results. Current COVID-19 antigen tests can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over a week to get your test results. You don’t want to wait over a week for the test results you need in 2 days!
If you test positive for COVID-19
- Stay at home. Do not go anywhere unless you need medical care.
- Take care of yourself. Rest and stay hydrated.
- Call your doctor and stay in touch if your symptoms worsen.
- Avoid all public areas, especially
- If you live with others, quarantine yourself to as few rooms as possible.
- If you live with others, take precautions to sanitize any shared areas.
- Talk to all of your close contacts (family, friends, coworkers, etc.) and let them know about your diagnosis
- Monitor your symptoms. Call your doctor as soon as possible.
If you test negative for COVID-19
- You may not have contracted COVID-19. Talk to your testing site for any testing specifics or call your doctor for general health-related questions.
- Keep up with general health protocols: Mask up, wash your hands, cover your sneezes and coughs. Help keep everyone healthy and safe.
If you think your test results may be inaccurate, contact your testing site with any questions. There are dozens of tests and processes on the market right now and all of them work differently. Your results may take longer to come back from one testing center to another—this does not mean the results are less accurate.
REMEMBER: A negative test result does not mean you can’t get COVID-19 in the future. Please take all the steps mentioned above and visit the CDC website to keep yourself and everyone else healthy.
Learn More About Tests at Oswald’s
About COVID-19 Testing False Negatives & Positives
Antigen tests can show false negatives and, rarely, false positives. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider if you have tested negative but still have symptoms. You may have to quarantine regardless of your test results.
A note from our pharmacy staff:
Unfortunately, we are not sure exactly when people stop being contagious when it comes to COVID-19. Updated guidelines and studies suggest that most healthy people will be unlikely to be infectious/contagious after 10 days since symptoms appeared.
The PCR test is highly sensitive and can detect very small amounts of genetic material of the virus. Some people will still test “positive” for the virus for up to (and possibly beyond) 3 months after being sick because there may still be small parts of the virus in their system. We carry a lot of the viral load in our noses, and it may take a few months for our bodies to completely clear up any genetic material from the virus, but we are not contagious the entirety of that period.
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