Since the devastating COVID-19 outbreak in Asia in late 2019, many people have been infected, but we’ve been slow to learn about the confusing array of available testing options at doctors’ offices and healthcare facilities. Since the outbreak, many people have been convinced of the importance of vaccination programs.
- How Do You Determine The Right Covid Test?
There are several different kinds of tests that you can take. The best way to decide which one is right for you is by looking at the differences between each test. The more knowledge you have about all the tests out there, the better it is for you to decide which one of those will be of the best help for you. There are things you need to know about each test that will help you determine the right one for your situation.
The right test depends on the purpose. Tests that detect an active infection require bodily fluid samples, as they can only be performed using blood, sputum, or urine specimens. A blood sample is one of the most common types of samples, as it’s easy to obtain. The blood can be analyzed for things like white cell count and viral load, which indicate if a patient has an active infection.
One of the most popular tests is the molecular test, which can be used to diagnose and monitor the progression of a virus. It is a type of viral blood test that checks for the presence of antibodies to the virus, revealing active infection in your body. Some individuals with symptoms may not test positive — that is because they do not have symptoms, but are infected with the virus. One of the reasons why molecular tests are so important is because they can help people get a better idea of how their disease is progressing.
- Molecular Test (RNA/ PCR Test):
These are the most sensitive tests for detecting a current infection of the virus. This test is used to determine whether you have been exposed to the virus or not. You might be asked to take this kind of test if you are an essential worker who wants to prove that you are not currently infected with the virus, and if you are a doctor, you might be asked to order these types of tests for your patients. For now, PCR tests have the best results and are the gold standard.
- Antigen Test (Rapid Test):
With rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), doctors can run a simple laboratory test to screen large numbers of people for diseases. In one study, the test was able to predict which patients were at risk of infection by measuring levels of antigens on their blood cells. This is an important advance because it will help doctors more quickly diagnose a patient’s condition.
- Antibody Test (Serology/Blood Test):
This blood test looks for antibodies to the coronavirus. Despite what you may have heard, it cannot detect active coronavirus infection. What it does tell you is whether you have been exposed to the disease in the past, even if your symptoms were so mild that you didn’t even know about it.
- When Will You Get Your Test Results?
The time boundary varies for all the tests. It depends on the severity and the clinic.
- Standard Molecular Tests: 24 hours to several days (depending on the type of test ordered).
- Rapid Tests: Immediately or within half an hour.
- What Do Positive and Negative Tests Mean?
- Diagnostic Test:
- Positive; A positive test result means that you have the virus and can now take steps to help prevent its spread. Your healthcare provider will want to know who you’ve been in close contact with and how long you’ve had symptoms.
- Negative; A negative test result means that the virus that causes COVID-19 wasn’t detected in the sample. However, a negative test result doesn’t necessarily mean that the virus isn’t still in your system. It just means that you don’t have symptoms at this moment.
- Serological Test:
- Positive; If you test positive for antibodies with a serological test, this often indicates that you have an active infection of the virus. However, serological tests are not effective at diagnosing an active infection. If you are experiencing symptoms, you’ll need to get tested with a diagnostic test to determine if you have an active virus.
- Negative; You can have antibodies to the viral infection, but still test negative on a serological test. It is also possible that you were never infected with the virus. Also, your antibodies may have decreased over time and not have been detected by the test.
And how many of these tests are being done where they’re performed by primary care physicians? A high-quality test is important to ensure that the correct diagnosis is given. These kinds of tests should be used more often in the clinic, and it’s important to understand the results that can come from them. The quality of service you can expect at Covid Clinic is top-notch, so we will always be here to assist you.
It’s important to note that not all doctors and healthcare facilities offer the same type of testing, so it may be a good idea to ask about this upfront. There are now several different types of tests available for COVID-19, so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting tested with one that is appropriate for your needs.
The COVID-19 outbreak has been a stark reminder of how quickly infectious diseases can spread. It’s important to get vaccinated as soon as possible, and also take care not to come in contact with anyone who may have the virus. If you are worried about whether or not your doctor is using the correct testing options for this deadly virus, don’t be shy in asking them what they’re doing! You could save yourself from being infected by just taking charge of your health.
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