An uncomfortable nasal swab going through your nose is usually the thought that crosses your mind anytime you hear of a COVID-19 test. However, the risks that come with the virus infection are greater than the less painful procedure. There are various COVID-19 virus tests your doctor will recommend to check on the virus’s existence in your body. The health care professionals at GatherWell Rapid COVID Testing are familiar with the contagious virus and offer their patients various laboratory services in Otsego MN. These specialists are committed to providing their patients with timely information to help them manage their symptoms.
The various COVID-19 virus lab tests you are likely to undergo include:
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Antibody Testing
Your body’s immune system creates antibodies immediately after you have had a vaccination or infection. The proteins help you fight infections and protect you from re-infection. However, how long the protection will last varies in individuals and is also dependent on the disease. Your doctor will request an antibody test to check for antibodies in your blood to assess a past infection of the COVID-19 virus when you have a full recovery.
During the procedure, your doctor will draw your blood sample to determine whether your immune system has developed antibodies. If your results come out positive, they indicate that you had a past infection and have immunity. However, there is no proof that antibodies’ presence means that you cannot be re-infected with SARS-CoV-2.
PCR Testing
Also known as a molecular test, your doctor will request a PCR COVID-19 test to check out the virus’s genetic material through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). During the test, your doctor will use a swab to collect a fluid sample and take it to the lab, where the lab tech will take the sample through extraction. The process isolates SARS-CoV-2’s genetic material and any other virus present from the sample.
Positive test results indicate that it is likely you have the virus. At this point, you could be having a mild infection that you could recover from safely at home without treatment. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor when your symptoms worsen. On the other hand, negative test results indicate that you did not have SARS-CoV-2 at your time of testing. A negative result does not mean that you cannot get the virus.
Antigen Testing
An antigen COVID-19 test checks for particular proteins in the virus. During the procedure, your doctor will use a nasal swab to collect a fluid sample from your nose. Though the procedure is a bit uncomfortable, it is quick and not painful. If your results read positive, your doctor will advise you to self-isolate to curb the spread because your sample has the COVOD-19 virus.
Suppose your results read negative or invalid, your doctor will take another sample for a PCR test. An antigen test can give incorrect results in some people with the virus. This means that you could be having SARS-CoV-2 even though you have negative results. If the results are still negative, your doctor will consider several other aspects like your medical history before designing your care plan.
Going for a COVID-19 test is crucial in curbing the virus’s spread. When you know your status, it will be easy for your doctor to care for you. Get to know your status today with the COVID-19 experts.