Testing for COVID-19

Overview

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. It is very contagious and spreads through person-to-person contact. Symptoms can feel like a cold or flu. COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia and severe acute respiratory syndrome in severe cases.

To detect if someone has COVID-19, there are different types of tests available. These tests can be done to determine if a person is currently infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Obtaining a diagnosis is the first step to getting appropriate treatment and reducing the risk of severe illness. It's also important to take steps towards preventing the spread of the virus to others.

People should test for COVID-19 as soon as possible if they have symptoms of COVID-19. People who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 but haven’t developed symptoms should wait 5 days before testing. Testing too early may lead to an inaccurate result.

The two main types of tests for the COVID-19 virus are:

• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests: These tests need to be sent to a laboratory for testing. The lab will test for genetic material from the virus. It may take up to 3 days to receive the results. The advantage of a PCR test is it is more likely to detect the virus than antigen tests.
  • Usually, a healthcare provider will swab your nose or throat, then send the swab to a laboratory for testing.
  • There are also some self-collection kits where you can collect your own sample at home, using a provided home collection kit, then mail the sample back to the lab.
• Antigen tests: These tests are rapid tests that usually provide a result in 15-30 minutes. These tests can be completed at-home or at a health care site. A positive antigen test is considered accurate and reliable. However, antigen tests are generally less like to detect the virus, especially in people who do not have symptoms. This means a single negative antigen test may not rule out infection and repeat testing is needed to check for the virus. For at-home antigen tests:
  • Different home testing kits may have different instructions for collecting the nasal or saliva sample, setting up the testing solution, and timing for checking the result. It is very important to read and follow the instructions for the specific test being used for an accurate test.
  • A negative test should be repeated in 48 hours to confirm that it is still negative. For people who do not have symptoms, a third test (48 hours after the second negative test) is recommended to confirm that the result is still negative.

It's important to note that while some COVID-19 tests can be done at home, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on which test is appropriate for your situation and ensure accurate interpretation of the results.

For positive results:

• Seek health care right away if you have risk factors for severe COVID-19 illness. The healthcare provider may recommend antiviral treatment to reduce the risk of severe illness. Risk factors for severe illness include:
  • Older adults (65 years or older)
  • Infants
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • People who are pregnant
  • People with chronic lung, heart, or kidney diseases
  • People with diabetes
• Get emergency medical attention if you develop any of the warning signs for COVID-19, including:
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds
  • Persistent pressure in the chest or chest pain
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or difficulty staying awake
• Take steps to prevent spreading COVID-19 such as:
  • Staying home and away from others who are not sick until symptoms are better overall and you are fever-free for at least 24 hours.
  • When returning to normal activities, take extra precautions for 5 days including:
    • Bringing fresh air into indoor areas as much as possible
    • Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands often, and frequently cleaning touched surfaces
    • Wearing a mask
    • Avoiding crowded areas

Most cases of COVID-19 will be mild and manageable at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter fever reducers and symptom remedies. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Remember, if you need a COVID-19 test, you can buy authorized self-tests online or at stores, check your local health department's website for testing information, or contact your healthcare provider for guidance.