Who should get tested for COVID-19 at IMMANUEL FAMILY CLINIC?
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You have any of the following NEW symptoms not explained by another known condition:
- 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
- Diarrhea
- You have had close contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
- You have been referred for a test by a healthcare provider or state or local health department.
- Traveling out of state or out of the country
If you are interested instead in an antibody test, read more about antibody testing. The antibody test is not the same as a nasal swab test and does not check to see if you have a current COVID-19 infection.
People who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should NOT get an antibody test.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will I have to leave my car?
No, please do not leave your vehicle. A healthcare provider will take your nose swab while you remain in your car.
Can someone drive for me?
If possible, please drive yourself to maintain good physical distancing. However, this is not required. You may still get tested if you are the passenger instead of the driver. Multiple people who need testing may drive together.
Do I need to bring my ID?
Yes, please bring identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, so we can verify your identity. You do not need to show your insurance card or register your vehicle.
How long should I wait?
Wait times can vary, but it is typically under 10 minutes.
When will I receive my test results?
Turnaround time for COVID-19 testing varies; it may take up to 24 to 48 hours to receive your test results, although results may be available sooner.
Can I get COVID-19 Antibody testing?
Yes. The antibody test is not the same as a nasal swab test and does not check to see if you have a current COVID-19 infection. People who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should NOT get an antibody test.
WHAT IS A COVID-19 ANTIBODY TEST?
A COVID-19 antibody test is a blood test that can reveal the result that if you were exposed or infected with COVID-19. It checks for the presence of a particular antibody your body generates when it is fighting the virus. These antibodies appear in your bloodstream after you have been infected. This test does not check for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19. You should not get this test if you are currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
What is the purpose of antibody testing?
We still have much to discover and learn about the virus and its resulting disease. At this time, the test is most useful to understand how much the disease has spread in the community and potentially predict if the second surge of cases is likely to occur. The results may also help us develop new treatments and even a vaccine.
How accurate is the antibody test?
The accuracy of a lab test is measured in “sensitivity” and “specificity.” Sensitivity is the test’s ability to identify those with anti-bodies (true positives) correctly, and specificity is the test’s ability to identify those without the antibodies (true negatives). It is possible to have a “false positive” result, and such results are true for all anti-body tests.
Who qualifies or does not qualify for an anti-body test?
You should not get an anti-body test if you are currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of smell or taste. However, you may qualify for an anti-body test if you had COVID-19 and have recovered.
How long do the test results take?
Results are usually available within one day.
What does a negative result mean?
If your results are negative, it means you do not have the COVID-19 anti-body in your bloodstream and likely never had the disease.
What does a positive result mean?
If your results are positive, it means that you had a COVID-19 infection. We do not yet know if a positive test result means that a person is immune and if it does, for how long immunity might last. We hope to learn more in the coming months. If your test is positive, you should continue to follow public health recommendations.
How can I get an anti-body test?
Currently, antibody tests are available at our IMMANUEL FAMILY CLINIC, but an appointment is required. Please schedule an appointment by calling: (214) 949 – 1209.
For More Information: Please visit www.CDC.gov or www.WHO.int.