COVID -19 Nasal Swab Test:
We offer the following rapid nasal swab tests to diagnose COVID 19.
Rapid Antigen Tests:
This detects Antigens (“spikes”) on the surface of Corona virus and are performed in our office. It takes approximately 15 min to obtain results.
Rapid Molecular Tests:
This detects genetic material (nucleic acid) from the virus. Nasal swab specimens using Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). The NAAT assay type used in our facilities is Abbot ID NOW uses isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology
PCR Test with results in 24 hours
This detects genetic material (nucleic acid) from the virus. Nasal swab specimens using Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). RT-PCR assay type used in our facilities is accepted as a screening test for COVID 19 prior to travel by all airline carriers and prior to procedures by most hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers.
These tests are generally administered to individuals belonging to any of the following:
- Has shown coronavirus symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, body aches, new loss of taste or smell
- Has been in contact with someone who has the virus in the past 14 days
- Periodically for certain employment categories or prior to certain procedures as per state and local department of health (DOH) guidelines
- For people returning to New York from certain designated states with high transmission rates of COVID 19 to help decide return to work if belonging to certain employment categories (e.g., essential workers, first responders)
- Prior to travel to certain destinations.
COVID 19 Blood Tests:
These are blood tests that can detect antibodies with high accuracy, if a person had previously contracted COVID -19 or received Covid Vaccine. It takes about 1-2 days to obtain results.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between Antigen, Molecular and PCR COVID tests?
- There are different kinds of tests for diagnosing COVID19. Molecular tests detect genetic material (RNA) from the virus and use either RT-PCR or Isothermal amplification NAAT technology. Antigen tests detect proteins (“spikes”) from the virus. Antigen tests are very specific for the virus but are not as sensitive as molecular tests. This means that a positive result is highly accurate, but a negative result does not rule out infection. If you are tested negative, your provider may advise additional testing with molecular assays
- If you do not have an additional test to determine if you are infected and may spread the infection to others, the CDC currently recommends that you should stay home until three things have happened:
- You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) AND
- Other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath has improved) AND
- At least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
How much it cost?
- Insured: Visits primarily for COVID 19 care and treatment, your co-payment and/or deductible is waived during the coverage period of CARES act. For all other visits, standard co-payments and/or deductible apply.
- Uninsured: Medically necessary COVID 19 care and treatment provided by our office will not be charged during the coverage period of CARES act. If you are uninsured and wish to avail this service through CARES act coverage, you must present a government issued ID as proof to obtain this service. If your visit is primarily for non COVID 19 reason (s), self-pay fees apply. Please check with our office for our affordable self-pay options.
- Employment: If your employer requires a negative swab test for employment purposes, verify with your employer and/or insurer to see such services are covered by them. If not, ask our office for self-pay options.
- Travel: Verify with your insurer to see such services are covered. If not ask your office for self-pay options.
What precautions should I take after nasal swab test?
- Anyone who receives a positive test should self-quarantine alone in their home for 14 days, and call 911 if their symptoms worsen
What does a positive antibody test mean?
- A positive test result shows you have antibodies that likely resulted from an infection with SARS-CoV-2, or possibly a related corona virus or received Covid vaccination.
What does a negative antibody test mean?
- If you test negative for COVID-19 antibodies, you probably did not have a previous corona virus infection or a non-responder to Covid 19 vaccination. Negative antibody test does not rule out a current infection.
Where can I go for updates and more information?
- The most up-to-date information on COVID-19 is available at the CDC General webpage: https://www.cdc.gov/COVID19. In addition, please also contact your healthcare provider with any questions/concerns.
