Prevention they say is better than cure and for the past couple of years together with the efforts of healthcare providers we’ve normalized getting tested for the Covid-19 virus. Such tests are performed so we can better protect ourselves and the people we come in contact with on a regular basis.
The guidelines have changed on how we deal with the virus but the tests utilized have remained the same and varying covid testing centers like Dr. MobiCare have made it convenient for anyone who would like to know if they’ve been infected or not.
Planning on getting tested but don’t know anything about the process? Let’s discuss.
Do You Feel Sick? What to Do Before Visiting a COVID Testing Center or Healthcare Facility
First, one should be familiar with the common symptoms brought about by the Covid-19 virus. Symptoms include fever, chills, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, fatigue, body or muscle aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, runny or congested nose, vomiting or nausea, and diarrhea.
Please do take note that if your symptoms get you worried and are severe like you are having trouble breathing, have persistent chest pain, confusion, having problems staying awake, or have pale, blue, or gray colored skin, nail beds, or lips then you need to go to an emergency facility right away.
Call ahead before visiting a doctor or a medical facility so A) you may find out if you can just teleconsult or B) the facility and the healthcare providers may better prepare for your arrival. It’s for the safety of everyone involved. Although most clinics are ready to take in Covid-19 patients it would still be prudent to call in advance before visiting.
If you are sick then please do wear a tight-fitting mask to protect yourself and everyone around you. Please also refrain from being near people that are vulnerable to the virus. Make sure to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and dispose of your tissues properly.
For more info on what to do if you feel sick click here.
So, now that you’re ready and decided to go visit a covid testing center, here are the things to expect.
What’s the Process Like When Getting Tested for COVID?
When you get to a covid testing center most often than none you will undergo a PCR or polymerase chain reaction test. The PCR test is highly reliable and accurate plus it also yields fast results. Results may be emailed to you in as fast as 3 to 6 hours.
And the process is simple 1) collection, 2) extraction, and 3) PCR test.
If you’re exhibiting Covid-19 like symptoms, then you will most likely undergo PCR testing. During the collection process, a swab will be gently inserted into your nostrils and rotated for just about a few seconds. It’s practically painless and will only be a tad uncomfortable but as mentioned only for a few seconds so there’s no need to be worried really.
Your swab specimen will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis and lastly the PCR test where either the presence or absence of the virus will be known.
Now, what is an antigen or rapid test and when would one need it?
To answer that, if you’re asymptomatic but want to ensure you’ve been infected with the virus then a rapid test should be ideal. It’s also quick and painless like the PCR test but this time, results would be faster as the swab will just be placed on a test tube and mixed with a liquid specifically for detecting the virus which is then extracted to a small device designed to read if your test result is positive or negative.
It’s aptly named, and you’ll get your result in just 15 minutes. But please do take note that an antigen or rapid test is not as accurate or reliable as a PCR test but it’s got its advantages.
Even kids may undergo both tests as the process is simple.
Tips if You Do Get a Positive COVID-19 Result
If you indeed find out that you’re Covid-19 positive then it’s important that you follow the newest CDC guidelines to fully recover and not infect other people around you.
It’s important to self-isolate for 5 full days before getting another antigen or rapid test to confirm if you’re now covid negative, maybe even do it twice in a row with a 48-hour interval to make sure that you may now leave isolation.
If you indeed get a negative result then you may now leave your home but still, be sure to wear a tight-fitting mask for another 5 full days. If your test result is positive still, then you’re going to have to finish 10 full days of isolation.
Be sure to wear a tight-fitting mask when at home with other people and don’t share personal items as of yet or eat with others.
Final Thoughts
Follow the guidelines we’ve discussed, don’t get intimated, and get tested now. It’s important that we don’t give the virus another chance to infect more people again and again so this pandemic will completely end.
Getting tested for Covid-19 is quite simple, easy, and not to mention fast. Covid testing centers like Dr. MobiCare have made it even more convenient now, especially with family or group packages and at-home testing.
So, let’s help combat this virus together so we could all go back to our normal everyday lives.