COVID-19 is a disease caused by a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory system. COVID-19 testing continues to play a crucial role in controlling the spread of the virus. At Warehouse Primary Care & Specialty Clinic in Cullman, Alabama, the team offers COVID-19 testing. To schedule your COVID-19 test, call the office or book your test online today.
request an appointmentWhat is COVID-19 testing?
COVID-19 testing is a diagnostic test that determines if you have COVID-19.
COVID-19 is a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This virus is very contagious.
Though most people with COVID-19 recover from their illness, some become extremely sick and develop life-threatening symptoms.
COVID-19 testing helps control the spread of the virus, potentially protecting those at greater risk of severe illness.
What are the types of COVID-19 testing?
COVID-19 testing includes tests that check for an active infection (viral tests) and tests that look for a past infection (antibody test).
Viral tests
Viral COVID-19 tests determine if you have SARS-CoV-2 by checking saliva samples from your nose or mouth. Testing includes rapid COVID-19 testing and laboratory testing.
Antibody tests
An antibody test is a blood test that looks for COVID-19 antibodies, which are the proteins your immune system makes to protect you from the virus. Your body makes antibodies after an infection or vaccination.
When do I need COVID-19 testing?
You need viral COVID-19 testing if you have COVID-19 symptoms. These symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Loss of sense of taste or smell
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
You also need viral COVID-19 testing if you had close contact with someone who tested positive for the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you test five days after exposure.
COVID-19 testing is also recommended before and after travel. You may also need testing if your school, workplace, or special event requests it or your Warehouse Primary Care & Specialty Clinic provider recommends it.
If you want to get an antibody test to check for a previous infection, you must wait at least three weeks after recovering from your sickness.
When can I expect results from COVID-19 testing?
How soon you receive your COVID-19 testing results depends on the type of test you had. Rapid viral COVID-19 testing provides results within 15-30 minutes, while laboratory testing may take 1-3 days.
Rapid COVID-19 testing may not provide reliable results in people who don’t have symptoms and may benefit from a follow-up test. Laboratory COVID-19 testing results are reliable in people with or without symptoms, and follow-up testing isn’t needed.
If your test results come back positive, your provider at Warehouse Primary Care & Specialty Clinic can instruct you on how to manage your symptoms and the steps you need to take to prevent others from getting sick.
Results for antibody testing may take a few days.
To find out more about COVID-19 testing at Warehouse Primary Care & Specialty Clinic, call the office or schedule a consultation online today.