The FDA has approved over 100 firms to provide COVID-19 tests like the rapid COVID test Mckinney; however, not all COVID tests are made equally or have the same objectives. They differ in testing procedures, accuracy levels, and turnaround times. Testing for COVID-19 is accessible at:
- Drive-up facilities, such as in McKinney doctor’s offices, hospitals
- Labs for profit
- Regional testing facilities
- Home testing kits from pharmacies like Walgreen’s and CVS
Let’s examine the various test kinds, their benefits and drawbacks, and how each may help you stop community spread. For COVID-19, there are three primary test types: two are diagnostic (PCR and antigen testing), and one is a search for protective antibodies from prior infection (antibody or serologic tests).
Highly Sensitive PCR Test
The exam evaluates using a molecular technique called polymerous chain reaction (PCR), the genetic material of COVID-19, ribonucleic acid (RNA), is amplified. Even though PCR may be performed on any body fluid, we commonly examine the fluids in the nasal pharyngeal region, where your sinuses and throat converge. There is often the greatest concentration of infection there. The nasal pharyngeal region is reached by the clinician inserting a long cotton swab into your nose. For approximately 10 seconds, they will twirl the swab, which is unpleasant but not painful. A swab from the back of the nose or saliva samples may also be used for PCR. However, the final two approaches are less accurate at detecting the infection. The nasopharyngeal swab is regarded as the gold standard as a result.
Duration of the Process: The viral replication procedure requires time since samples must be shipped to a specialized lab. Rapid COVID test results time at McKinney labs are 24 to 48 hours. Depending on how distant the lab is from the testing site, getting findings at other locations could take longer. PCR testing is used almost everywhere at McKinney labs to check patients’ COVID status before surgery.
Cons: The test might be unpleasant, and findings can take longer to come back.
Tests for Antigens: Quick Tests
The exam evaluates the quickest COVID-19 and antigen testing and checks for viral fragments without multiplying or reproducing them in the laboratory. For an antigen test, the nasal swab typically stops in the nostril rather than the throat. There could be fewer viruses there, but it might seem less intrusive. Antigen testing is sometimes referred to as quick tests since findings are typically available in 15 minutes.
Advantages: The tests may be used for home and large-group testing since the results come back quickly and the tests are less costly to prepare. Antigen tests are particular in their effects; if you test positive, you are infected.
Cons: The results have a higher rate of false negatives because COVID-19 is less sensitive than other tests (you may test negative but have the virus).
Antigen Testing: After the Disease
The exam evaluates a patient’s immune system’s ability to produce antibodies to defend against the virus and is assessed using antibody or serologic tests. The turnaround time for serological tests is short—possibly even the same day—because no specialized equipment is needed.
Pros: Antibody tests can reveal if you have COVID-19 infection. Additionally, it can aid in diagnosing post-infection side effects like pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome.
Cons: COVID-19 mild cases may not result in detectable antibody development. Consequently, a negative antibody test does not necessarily rule out prior infection. We still don’t know how long COVID-19 antibodies persist because research on these tests is still in its early stages.
How Often Should I Get Tested?
Testing has been contentious, just like many other aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. McKinney, Emergency rooms, and laboratories provide drive-up testing with a doctor’s referral. People who may be asymptomatic but have a documented history of virus exposure can still get rapid COVID testing today in McKinney.
The accessibility of COVID-19 testing is changing in many ways. Using contact tracing is another benefit of testing to determine who might have contracted the virus from you before you became ill. It’s a personal decision to get tested, but it also impacts the people you might interact with daily. Get tested if you have symptoms and need to go somewhere public, such as the grocery store, your workplace, or school, or to look after young children or older adults.
If a PCR test is performed and the results are negative for COVID-19, you were free of the virus at the time of the test. If you have respiratory symptoms, your doctor might advise getting checked out for other medical issues. It would help if you tracked the development of your symptoms regardless of whether you opt for testing or self-quarantine. Early observation and medical attention may be able to identify and address severe complications like a cytokine storm (an intense immune reaction). Visit rapid COVID test at McKinney center, or look for a testing center in your neighborhood, to get tested for COVID-19.
