The COVID-19 test is performed in our clinic; the patient is evaluated by the provider, and results are available within via call or email upon request.
You have the option to do a quick test which is administered by our medical assistants. Or you have the option to see a provider.
Learn more about the COVID-19 test administered in our clinic.
COVID-19 Fact Sheet for Patients
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the assay work?
The test employs immunofluorescence technology used with Sofia and Sofia 2 to detect nucleocapsid protein from SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 virus in nasopharyngeal (NPS) NASAL SWABS. THIS IS AN ANTIGEN TEST, NOT A PCR TEST.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Many patients with confirmed COVID-19 have developed fever and/or symptoms of acute respiratory illness (e.g. cough, dyspnea). The current information available to characterize the spectrum of clinical illness associated with COVID-19 suggests that symptoms include cough, shortness of breath or dyspnea, fever, chills, myalgias, headache, sore throat or new loss of taste or smell.
Based on what is known about the virus that causes COVID-19, signs and symptoms may appear any time from 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Based on preliminary data, the median incubation period is approximately 5 days, but may range 2-14 days.
What does a positive test mean?
A positive test result for COVID-19 indicates that antigens from SARS-CoV-2 were detected, and the patient is infected with the virus and presumed to be contagious.
What does negative test mean?
If you test negative for COVID-19, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. However, that does not mean you will not get sick. The test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing. You might test negative if the sample was collected early in your infection and test positive later during your illness. You could also be exposed to COVID-19 after the test and get infected then. This means you could still spread the virus. If you develop symptoms later, you might need another test to determine if you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.
How long to wait to get tested after exposure?
Minimum 5 days, please stay in quarantine until test is performed. Per CDC guidelines, If you have been in contact with a positive person, you should stay in quarantine in 14 days.
What is the difference between antigen and antibody test?
An antigen is a molecule or structure present on the outside of a pathogen. Antigen tests are typically used for early identification of an active infection in symptomatic patients. These tests identify the virus through detection of nucleoproteins, similar to influenza tests. Viral antigens can often be detected in samples taken from nasal passages and/or from the throat.
An antibody test, also known as a serology test, is done with a blood sample that may identify past infection of the virus that causes COVID-19. It’s a test that looks for evidence of the body’s immune response to the virus. Antibodies are detected in the blood after an infection. However, with COVID-19, we don’t fully know what the presence of its antibodies means yet. We accept most insurances for testing. Please call the clinic to inquire about our cash pay rate.
