Laboratory technicians will look for traces of the virus genetic material in the sample to diagnose an active COVID-19 infection. The sample is then taken to a laboratory to be analyzed. During a PCR test, a health care provider will use a cotton swab to collect a mucus sample from the patient’s nose or throat.
The PCR test is the gold standard of coronavirus testing. According to the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, most COVID-19 diagnostics tests use the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to identify an active infection. The COVID-19 diagnostics test can help determine if someone has an active coronavirus infection by looking for the genetic material or specific proteins on the surface of the virus. If someone is feeling unwell, their health care provider will ask them to take a COVID-19 diagnostics test. The diagnostics test, on the other hand, can help determine whether an individual is currently infected with the coronavirus. The antibody test is used to determine if a person was ever exposed to COVID-19 by looking for coronavirus antibodies in the blood. The FDA has approved 2 different types of coronavirus tests: COVID-19 diagnostics and antibody test.Īlthough both tests help identify the presence of COVID-19, they are used for different purposes. COVID-19 tests can help people determine whether they have been infected with the virus so they can self-isolate in order to mitigate the further spread of the pandemic. If a pharmacist suspects someone has contracted the coronavirus, they will advise getting tested as soon as possible and to take measures that prevent the spread of COVID-19.ĬOVID-19 testing is essential to prevent the highly contagious disease from spiraling further out of control. Individuals can discuss their symptoms with a licensed pharmacist over the phone to help distinguish between COVID-19, the common cold, allergies, and the seasonal flu. Pharmacists are among the most accessible health care practitioners you can contact for an initial consultation and early detection of the disease.
Individuals should consult with a health care provider to seek guidance for managing their condition right away. Symptoms associated with COVID-19, such as a fever, difficulty breathing, and loss of taste and smell, are not to be taken lightly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tens of thousands of Americans still contract the novel coronavirus disease every day. Part of the new normal since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic is still raging across the country. But is this testing method quicker and safer and, more importantly, does it work?īelow is an examination of what it’s like to get a drive-through COVID-19 test as well as the different testing options available. People can now get a COVID-19 test from their car in the same way that you would order fast food. Widespread testing options for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are still going through some growing pains, but drive-up testing sites are springing up more and more.
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