Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing: What You Should Know
The global pandemic has reshaped our world like never before. Health and wellness have become a primary concern. Also, people are finding ways to adjust to the new normal.
Coronavirus testing plays a critical role in our fight against the virus. Rigorous testing acts as a means to identify the infection at an early stage. Also, it can stop the further spread of the virus.
Coronavirus testing Utah is quintessential for people trying to accept the new normal safely. There are different types of covid 19 tests. These tests help identify the possibility of current infection and determine the part of the population already infected by the virus.
Let us discuss covid 19 testing in detail.
Types of coronavirus testing
There are two types of covid tests.
1. Diagnostic tests
Diagnostic tests, also called viral tests, are used to detect the presence of viruses in a person’s body. They determine whether a person is infected by the virus at present and require to quarantine themselves.
These tests can be further categorized into:
a. Rapid testing
Rapid testing helps you detect an infection and get quick results. Also, there are at-home rapid test kits that help you diagnose yourself at the convenience of your home.
b. Laboratory testing
Laboratory testing takes at least 5-6 days to provide the results and includes RT-PCR tests. However, these tests are more reliable than rapid tests.
2. Antibody tests
Antibody tests, or serology tests, determine the presence of antibodies in the blood sample of a person. These tests should not be used to detect current infection.
They help in determining the part of the population already infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and developed antibodies.
It is important to note that, irrespective of the measures taken to ensure accuracy, these tests may sometimes provide inaccurate results.
Other facts to know about Covid-19 testing
• Coming in close contact with an already infected person may infect you too. In such a case, you should quarantine yourself immediately.
• Getting tested too soon can provide inaccurate results. Hence, it is advisable to wait for 5-6 days before Coronavirus Testing, Utah. Also, look out for symptoms of infection. If any of the covid symptoms show up, immediately run to your nearest coronavirus testing center.
• Feeling feverish, having headaches, sore throat, cough, and cold may be symptoms of coronavirus. Neglecting the symptoms may increase the longevity of the infection. Without wasting any time, opt for covid testing.
• If you have not come in contact with a Covid-19 infected person and experiencing a few symptoms, discuss your symptoms with your health care provider before opting for Coronavirus Testing, Utah.
• Having been infected for once lowers the possibility of getting infected again. This happens due to the development of antibodies as an immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, it does not rule out future infections completely. Hence, you should not avoid any symptoms you may experience in the future.
• A negative result in a diagnostic test should not be misused. You still need to follow all the protocols, like avoiding social gatherings, wearing a mask, maintaining physical distancing, etc. Also, the results from a negative rapid test need to be confirmed by a molecular test.
• The laboratory tests can take a few days to arrive. During this time, you need to quarantine yourself and take all the precautions as if you are already infected.
• Vaccination has proved as an effective means of controlling the spread of the virus. However, you can still get infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Hence, you need to get yourself tested if you experience any symptoms of the disease.
These are a few important facts that you need to know about covid testing. With adequate information and a cautious attitude, we can stop the rapid transmission of infection.