COVID-19 has been a tragedy since 2019, when the first case of the disease was discovered. Millions have lost lives while others continue to suffer. The viral disease is highly transmissible, and you may need to protect yourself to avoid contraction. The preventive measures include wearing masks, maintaining social distance, wearing masks, and testing for the disease. The Sugar Land Covid test specialists at St. Michael’s Elite Hospital offer high-quality and accurate tests to determine whether you have COVID-19. This article provides more details on what to know about the Covid test.
What is a Covid test?
It is a test carried out to rule out whether you have COVID-19. The St. Michael’s Elite Hospital team offers various types of COVID tests, including COVID-19 antibody test and COVID-19 antigen test.
COVID-19 antigen test
It is a viral test that examines whether you have an active COVID-19 infection. Your provider takes your back throat and nose secretions and sends the samples to the lab for testing.
St. Michael’s Elite has a modern and onsite lab that enhances precise results within 15 minutes.
COVID-19 antibody test
This Covid test investigates whether you had COVID-19. The COVID-19 antibody test checks for COVID-19 antibodies three weeks after a COVID-19 infection. The test is easy and does not take long.
Who should have a COVID test?
Usually, knowing your COVID-19 status is the only sure way to protect yourself and your loved ones against the disease. You need a Covid test when you doubt or suspect you might have COVID-19. The test provides you with accurate information to help you make the right decision.
The St. Michael’s Elite Hospital team evaluates your symptoms to see if you need the COVID test.
The following symptoms indicate you have an active Covid-19 infection.
· Muscle pain
· Difficulty breathing
· Fever and chills
· Sore throat
· Cough with congestion
· Headache
· Shortness of breath
· Loss of taste or smell
Your provider also offers close observation in their emergency room to monitor your symptoms, other than testing.
The St. Michael’s Elite team also conducts rapid flu testing to ascertain you have COVID-19 and not flu. COVID-19 symptoms resemble flu symptoms; hence an exact diagnosis is necessary.
Your provider suggests a COVID-19 antibody test if you think you had the infection but were not tested. They perform the test if you do not show COVID-19 symptoms.
What does the COVID test involve?
The type of COVID test determines what happened during the test.
During COVID-19 antigen test, your provider takes a nasal swab at the back of your throat as the specimen and sends it to the lab.
COVID-19 antibody testing involves your provider taking your blood sample from the arm and sending it for testing.
Please note that you can only have a COVID test at St. Michael Elite Hospital with an appointment. But, you may receive emergency care if you have severe Covid symptoms.
Please do not wait until it’s too late; take a COVID test today to be sure. Contact St. Michael’s Elite Hospital to schedule your appointment or book online.