You may have heard about the various types of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) tests that are available, but understanding the benefits and drawbacks of the different tests can be difficult. Here, we break down information from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the different types of tests that are available, and explain why Patient First offers the tests that we do.
If you are tested for COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease), it is important that you know which type of test your provider offers, as it will directly impact its usefulness and how long it will take for the result to be available. There are two general types of COVID-19 tests: diagnostic tests, which determine if you have an active COVID-19 infection, and antibody tests, which determine if you have previously had COVID-19.
What Tests Does Patient First Offer? Patient First offers the RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase – Polymerase Chain Reaction) diagnostic test at designated testing centers, by appointment. To make an appointment for testing, please click here.
The antibody test is available at all Patient First Centers on a Walk-in basis from 8 am to 8 pm, 365 days a year.
Diagnostic Tests Diagnostic COVID-19 tests help healthcare providers diagnose a person with an active COVID-19 infection. There are currently two types of COVID-19 diagnostic tests: • Molecular (such as RT-PCR) – detect the virus’s genetic material in a sample from the patient’s nose or throat, and • Antigen – detect proteins that are found inside the virus.
Patient First offers only reference lab molecular (PT-PCR) diagnostic tests for COVID-19 at this time.
For more information about COVID-19 virus testing at Patient First, please click here.
Antibody Tests When you are infected by a virus, your immune system makes antibodies to fight the infection. Antibody tests determine if antibodies to a specific virus are present in your blood. Some antibodies, such as antibodies to measles, give life-long immunity. However, it is currently unknown whether or not antibodies to COVID-19 give immunity or, if so, for how long. An antibody test cannot be used to determine if someone currently has COVID-19.
For more information about the Antibody Testing offered at Patient First, please click here.
If you believe you or your child may have COVID-19, please contact your healthcare provider, local health department, or use an online tool, such as the CDC’s, to see if testing is recommended and/or if you should see a doctor. To learn more about the different types of tests for COVID-19, please refer to this guide from the FDA.
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