With the COVID-19 virus still around, there is a need for accurate information regarding the types of COVID-19 tests available and whether one is required.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers official recommendations regarding issues surrounding COVID-19, such as testing, vaccines, and treatment. The CDC recommends that anyone with signs and symptoms of COVID-19 be tested, regardless of prior infection or vaccination status. However, there is a big difference between the tests.
Types of Covid-19 Tests
Understanding the types of COVID-19 tests is crucial as it empowers you to make informed decisions about your health. There are two main types: viral tests and antibody tests. Let’s examine each of them.
Viral Test
This test is the more common COVID-19 testing method and is usually what is meant when COVID-19 testing is discussed in the media. It looks for whether the virus is currently present in your body. There are two types of viral tests: nucleic acid amplification tests and antigen tests.
Your healthcare provider plays a crucial role in the testing process. They will take samples from your nose or mouth and send them to the lab to see if they contain samples of the virus. A positive result indicates that you are currently infected with the COVID-19 virus.
COVID-19 Antibody Test
This test checks to see if your body has antibodies against the COVID-19 virus, which indicates a past COVID-19 infection. Antibodies are produced by your body’s immune cells when the body has been exposed to an antigen, e.g., a virus. When the body is exposed to the same (or similar) antigen for a second time, the infection can be easily fought off.
The antibody test serves a specific purpose. It is primarily used to determine if you have had a previous infection of COVID-19. It is not designed to detect a current infection. The CDC explains that “an antibody test may not show if you have a current infection because it can take 1–3 weeks after the infection for your body to produce antibodies.”
Getting Tested for COVID-19 Antibodies
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or body aches, it’s important to take action and order a test to protect yourself and others. Similarly, if you’re planning to travel overseas, some countries require a negative COVID-19 test prior to entry, so getting tested is a responsible step.QuickMD gives you the option to book a doctor’s appointment and get a lab test ordered via telemedicine.
