While the coronavirus is still in our communities, it is likely at some point you will become concerned you have it and seek testing. You may feel sick or have come in contact with someone who recently tested positive for COVID-19. According to the Nebraska Department of Health, approximately 75-80 percent of patients with COVID-19 either have no symptoms or have minor symptoms. If you’re worried you are infected, you are likely full of questions. Where do you go, what do you do? How do you get tested? GS Labs Testing is utilizing rapid antigen tests and rapid IgM/IgG (antibody) tests to provide you a test – and peace of mind – in as soon as 20 minutes.
Who should get tested?
People who have had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone with confirmed COVID-19 should be tested. It is recommended that you test for COVID-19 if you are experiencing symptoms. Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
COVID-19 ANTIGEN TEST VS. ANTIBODY TEST – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
RAPID COVID-19 ANTIGEN TESTING
Rapid antigen tests are recommended for individuals with signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19. They are also recommended for individuals who are asymptomatic but have recently been exposed or suspected they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
WHEN SHOULD I GET THE ANTIGEN TEST?
Rapid antigen tests perform best when the person is tested in the early stages of infection with SARS-CoV-2 when viral load is generally highest.
HOW DOES THE ANTIGEN TEST WORK?
The antigen tests are designed to detect proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19 in respiratory specimens. This requires conducting a nasal or nasopharyngeal swab.
RAPID IGM/IGG ANTIBODY TESTING
Rapid IgM/IgG test is an antibody test, which will help identify if an individual has antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19. This testing is best for individuals with a previous infection due to your body’s ability to create antibodies one to three weeks after infection. *If you are currently showing symptoms of COVID-19, the antigen test is recommended.
WHEN SHOULD I GET THE IGM/IGG ANTIBODY TEST?
IgM antibodies can develop as soon as 48 hours after exposure, indicating recent infection.
HOW DOES THE RAPID IGM/IGG TEST WORK?
The rapid IgM/IgG tests take a sample of your blood via finger prick to collect a sample for testing. If you test positive from the antibody test, this shows that you may have previously had COVID-19 or you have the antibodies from an infection with a different virus from the same family of coronaviruses. If you test negative, you may not have had COVID-19 or you may have a current infection that hasn’t had enough time for your body to mount an antibody response. For further questions, you should speak with your doctor.
Covid test results
If you test positive:
If you receive positive results that means you have recently had or currently have COVID-19. CDC guidelines state you should self-isolate in your home unless you need medical care. Do not visit public areas. Most people will experience mild symptoms and can recover at home without medical care. The CDC recommends resting, drinking fluids, and taking over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen. If you begin to have trouble breathing or experience any other emergency warning signs seek medical care immediately.
If you test negative:
If you receive negative results this could mean you weren’t infected when your antigen test was performed. One possibility could be that you are very early in the infection and you could test positive later. You may also be exposed to the virus at a later date and test positive. Therefore, a negative result does not indicate that you will not get sick at a later date. If you have come in contact with someone who has received a positive result and you have since then tested negative, it is recommended that you monitor your health closely and practice social distancing. It is advised that you maintain 6 feet of space from others who are not in your immediate family.
GS LABS TESTING
GS Labs is providing COVID-19 testing for multiple communities. We started offering COVID-19 rapid testing at many of our locations in October as a way to help our community fulfill a growing need, but demand has skyrocketed. Click here for more locations.
