![]() ![]() The average turnaround time for PCR test results is 48 hours, but in some instances may be significantly longer due to backlogs related to insufficient lab volume and capacity. The molecular test, also known as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, usually delivers results within a few days since most of these tests are sent to offsite labs for analysis. Viral COVID tests are available as molecular and antigen tests. The lab will test samples for the presence of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID infection and either your care provider or the lab will notify you with the results as soon as they are available. After that, the samples are packaged according to CDC guidelines and tested on-site or transported to a facility for testing. A member of the medical team puts a swab inside your nose for a few seconds on each side to collect the sample. Most COVID tests are collected by a nasal swab. If you have been referred to get a COVID test by your healthcare provider or local health department.This could include travel, large social or mass gatherings, crowded indoor settings, etc. If you are unvaccinated and participated in high-risk activities where distancing is not an option.If you have been vaccinated, or tested positive in the past 3 months and not experiencing symptoms, you do not need to be tested. Close contact is defined as within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. If you have been in close contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19.If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.The CDC currently defines four instances where COVID testing is recommended: Who should get tested for current infection The presence of COVID antibodies may help to prevent you from becoming infected with the same virus again but, because the clinical understanding of COVID-19 is still developing, it's unclear how long that protection will continue. Results can take up to 2-3 days to arrive.Īntibody testing looks for a past infection and may not reveal if you have an active COVID-19 infection because antibodies can take up to three weeks to form in your body. The majority of tests, on the other hand, are collected at the clinic on-site and then submitted to off-site labs for processing. Some tests are processed out on-site and can provide results in as little as 30 minutes. Viral COVID testing can be done in a few different ways, the most common being nose swabs, but saliva tests are becoming more popular. There are two types of coronavirus tests (COVID-19 tests) available, those that can test for a current infection (viral test) and those that can test for a past infection (antibody test). After assuring me the test results would be about 15 minutes, I was called with my negative result an hour later. When the very kind nurse returned I again apologized and reiterated that I was signed up for just a drive through rapid test. The nurse practitioner finally agreed but expressed her dissatisfaction as she walked out the door. I expressed my displeasure and asked for a rapid test which I asked for all along. The nurse practitioner said they performed the test that would take AT LEAST 2 days for a result. I told the nurse and the nurse practitioner that my exposure was limited, that I had no symptoms and I wanted a rapid test so I could go back to watching my grandson. I was then put in a room and a full blown office visit was performed and probably charged to my insurance. I was charged $20 for a co-pay which made me mad since the website stated it was free. I thought I was signing up for a drive in test but was instead routed to the Emergency Clinic. I scheduled an appointment for a rapid Covid test due to an exposure on Tuesday. ![]()
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