Covid-19 Testing Specialist

What is COVID-19 testing?

There are two types of COVID-19 testing:

Viral testing

A viral test detects the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. That means the test detects current COVID-19 infections. If you test positive, the Global Family Medicine and Urgent Care team supports you if you're experiencing symptoms and advises you on how to avoid infecting anyone else.

If you test negative, you can still become ill with COVID-19 in the future. Therefore, it's essential that you continue to take preventive measures and follow current medical guidance.

Antibody testing

An antibody test detects antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Your immune system creates these antibodies if you come into contact with the SARS-CoV-2 virus so that if you’re exposed to it in the future, your body can defend itself.

Testing positive for COVID-19 antibodies means you've had the viral infection already, although if you had no symptoms, you might not realize you were infected.

Your immune system creates antibodies to protect you against future infection. However, you shouldn't assume you're immune to COVID-19 if you test positive, as the level of protection these antibodies provide isn't clear yet.

When should I undergo COVID-19 testing?

COVID-19 testing is advisable if you have any symptoms of the infection. 

Symptoms to look out for include:

• Fever or chills
• A new, continuous cough
• Loss of taste or smell
• Shortness of breath or breathing difficulty
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

You might also want to be sure you don't have the infection for work purposes and personal considerations, such as caring for children or elders.

Why is COVID-19 testing so important?

SARS-CoV-2 is a new type of coronavirus that spreads easily and causes COVID-19 illness. Because it’s new, people have no natural immunity. 

In most people, COVID-19 is no more serious than a cold. However, in a significant minority, it can cause serious illness and long-term complications, and it may be fatal for some patients. COVID-19 testing is an effective way of identifying people who are carrying the virus so they can take steps to prevent the infection from spreading.

COVID-19 testing is important even if you have no symptoms. Many people – particularly the young – carry the infection but are asymptomatic, so could be spreading the disease without realizing it.

Global Family Medicine and Urgent Care offers rapid COVID-19 testing at their on-site lab. To take advantage of their convenient testing services, call the office or book your test online today.