Antigen testing helps detect the COVID-19 virus. The test involves taking swabs from your nose and throat for evaluation. It is a simple and quick procedure. Antigen testing is suitable to screen individuals with COVID-19 symptoms as results take about fifteen to thirty minutes. Your Healthy Therapeutics Medical Practice, PLLC specialist can recommend an antigen test with or without coronavirus symptoms. Antigen test is less accurate than PCR testing as a high viral load is needed for antigen test to detect the COVID-19 virus. Some people may test negative for antigen screening in the early and late stages of COVID-19 infection.
When should you get an antigen test?
You can get an antigen test if you have been infected with coronavirus for approximately two to four days or if you are required to travel imminently. You can also get the test if you are in an environment where regular mass testing is needed, like a busy workplace or a school facility. Your doctor may recommend an antigen test if you have symptoms like fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, muscle or body aches, sore throat, congestion, or headache.
What should you expect during antigen testing?
Antigen testing involves your doctor swabbing your nose and throat to take mucus samples. The samples are taken to a laboratory and observed under a microscope to check for the presence of antigens. Results often take fifteen to thirty minutes, so you can have them before you go home.
Understanding antigen test results
Positive results
If the antigen test is positive, it shows the COVID-19 virus was detected and you have an infection. Your doctor may recommend you isolate and take precautions by wearing a high-quality mask to avoid infecting other people. You must monitor your symptoms and seek medical care if you experience warning signs. Ensure you tell people you have had recent contact with that they may have been exposed to the virus. Make sure you get treatment within several days after you develop initial symptoms to be effective.
Negative results
If your antigen test is negative, the COVID-19 virus was not detected. But this does not mean you do not have the infection. If you have symptoms, you may have COVID-19, but you were tested before the virus was detectable. Also, ensure you take overall public health precautions to avoid spreading the infection to others if you have symptoms. If you are not showing any COVID-19 signs and have not been exposed to the virus, you can return to normal duties.
Void results
A void antigen test shows your test was not viable. Most void results happen because of a testing kit vault. Since an antigen test takes a short time, you can have a second test.
Antigen testing helps detect the COVID-19 virus. It involves your specialist swabbing your nose and throat to get a mucus sample and observing it under a microscope for evaluation. The antigen test is a simple and quick procedure but less accurate than a PCR test as it requires a high viral load. Schedule an appointment at Healthy Therapeutics Medical Practice, PLLC, for antigen testing to screen for the COVID-19 virus.
