As the COVID-19 pandemic has progressed, our knowledge about the virus and how to stop it has also evolved. Initially, all we knew were diagnostic tests and masking. That quickly changed to antigen testing and rapid tests. After that, we heard about antibodies for covid and COVID-19 antibody testing. Shortly thereafter we started hearing about […]
If you have gone through COVID-19 testing, especially early in the pandemic, you may have received a PCR test. You also probably got tested without much insight into what PCR means, and how this test can confirm if you have COVID-19 or not. Let’s examine what PCR stands for in common terms, as well as the 4 steps of this test, and how you can get COVID-19 PCR tests back quickly.
Throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic, testing has been an integral piece of the puzzle. With new variants arising, cases still high, and vaccination rates lower than necessary to stop the spread, COVID-19 testing remains a key component to ending the pandemic. Testing can help identify the spread of new variants, inform individuals on when to isolate or quarantine, and provide peace of mind for anyone who thinks that they may have COVID-19.
Even with COVID-19 testing becoming more accurate, and choosing to get one of the vaccines, there is still a chance you could become infected with the virus after recovering from it previously. When you get a virus like COVID-19 your body will produce antibodies to see if any of them could be the key used to kill the virus. If your body does not have the “key”, it will end up creating new antibodies to fight the virus. The reason it’s important to know you cannot be immune to COVID-19 is for your own health, as well as to prevent infecting more people with the virus and prolonging the spread.
COVID 19 testing is becoming more important as new variants like Omicron start to enter the United States. There are still concerns about testing and vaccines that keep arising, and while some of those concerns are more difficult to get past, worrying if a COVID-19 test or a blood test for COVID-19 will hurt is something that can be put to rest. Generally, the test itself will not cause any amount of serious pain, but this will vary depending on the type of test and the person receiving the test.
COVID-19 testing, like the COVID-19 virus itself, has been evolving since March of 2020. Laboratories and their respective teams have been working to stave off the virus with every new variant that comes about. Through many rigorous tests and studies, it has been proven that it not only matters that you get tested but when. The time frame for testing is an important part of the testing process. In any case, the CDC recommends getting a test 5-7 days after exposure, and even wearing a mask for 14 days after exposure, or at least until you get a negative result.
Ever since the FDA began granting more emergency use authorization (EUA) for COVID-19 testing, it has been more difficult to decide what type of test to get. In this blog, we will be discussing the types of testing, and the benefits/weaknesses of each.
Even as we approach the two year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, testing remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight to stop the virus’s spread. COVID-19 testing provides experts with insights and data about the disease and its spread. It provides actionable information to patients and people who fear they may have contracted COVID-19 or been exposed. COVID-19 testing also plays a major role in helping restore a sense of normalcy to work, travel, sports, concerts, and other events.
With the world opening up more each month, the demand for getting a quick response to your Covid-19 testing is higher than ever before. Getting a test quickly and with accurate results is of the utmost importance. Out of all the types of Covid tests, a rapid Covid test can provide results within minutes. It is then fair to wonder if I get my test result back so quickly, will I have a higher risk of a false positive? In this piece, we aim to answer these questions and more to keep you safe and educated.
The Delta variant of COVID-19 has driven a new wave of infections, causing 80-87% of all cases in the United States in the last two weeks of July according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This highly infectious variant has led to widespread concern with many schools reconvening from summer break and people returning to the workplace after a year of remote work.
The appropriate procedure to swab for COVID-19 testing depends on the type of sample being collected. There are two main types of COVID-19 test swabs, soft polyester, and nylon micro brushes. Both may be used for all types of Covid tests using samples from either the mouth or nose. Though the procedures for collecting these samples share a lot in common, there are also major differences, especially in the experience of the patient. Let’s explore what is the difference between the types of tests available for COVID19 based on the types of swabs, as well as which swab tests for COVID-19 are reliably accurate at detecting current infection.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic does not seem to be going anywhere anytime soon – the number of new COVID-19 cases remains high, while hospitals are under siege with an influx of new patients. With this in mind, it’s vital that we all continue with COVID-19 testing and adhere to quarantine guidelines. In this article, we will describe the steps you need to take if you test positive for COVID-19.
As more Americans become vaccinated every day, we are beginning to see a return to some sense of normalcy. Since vaccines began to roll out on December 14, 2020, roughly 58% of the US population has been fully vaccinated. Even with vaccination numbers on the rise, a new COVID variant is beginning to pop up, and we aim to keep you well informed with the most accurate information available. Remember, the first step in being able to make the right choice for yourself is to get tested, and with new COVID-19 testing sites appearing as well, this is easier than ever.
It may seem like we are still learning something new about COVID-19 every day. In many ways, we are. Even though there is still so much to learn there are still some facts we can stand behind. For example, we know that COVID-19 testing is one of the strongest tools and information sources we have for fighting the pandemic. We also know that the COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at slowing the spread, curbing the severity of symptoms, and minimizing the risk of mutations and variants.
As the Delta variant is currently the dominant of all the Covid variants and COVID-19 testing becomes more common, we at BioCollections understand the necessity for up-to-date and accurate information. The Delta variant is more than 2x as contagious as previous variants, and with this blog, we aim to get you caught up to speed on all things Delta variant.
Yes, it is possible to get reinfected with COVID-19. This is especially true for unvaccinated individuals who have already had COVID-19. Research by the CDC found that unvaccinated patients were twice as likely to be reinfected with COVID-19 than patients who received the vaccine after they recovered. This means getting Covid twice and being vaccinated […]
COVID-19 testing is a hot topic around the world right now. With all the different testing options and locations available, it’s no surprise that testing is consistently cited as one of the main ways we can prevent the spread of COVID-19. Testing can help identify if you are infected, have been exposed, or should be following certain protocols. This information is critical in the fight against the pandemic.
It might feel like the COVID-19 pandemic has been a whirlwind of information, progress, and setbacks. Even as COVID-19 vaccination becomes increasingly prevalent, COVID-19 testing remains an integral part of the work to end the pandemic. Whether locally or worldwide, testing remains a first line of defense, specifically in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
With more information coming out from testing about COVID-19, it can become confusing for your course of action if believe you have had exposure to COVID-19 or your test results come back positive. Furthermore, because symptoms may appear anywhere from 2-14 days after exposure, it is vital that you quarantine and isolate yourself as soon as possible to stop any further spread of the virus.
For many, the past year-plus has been a stressful time. Our lives have been largely disrupted, and it can feel like we’re still adjusting to some “new normal.” The nature of COVID-19 symptoms creates additional anxiety for many. The possibility of contracting the virus, exhibiting no symptoms, and unknowingly passing it along to others—who may experience symptoms or are otherwise part of a vulnerable population—is a risk worth avoiding.
With the many kinds of COVID-19 testing today, the most comfortable and easiest-to-perform test is the NAAT test that takes samples from your saliva.
But before scheduling a saliva test, many may wonder if it’s accurate or FDA-approved. Among the many types of COVID-19 tests are being tested and regulated by the FDA, the saliva test is one of them. In fact, there is a list of FDA approved antigen tests and other COVID-19 tests.
The NAAT test is an FDA approved test for COVID-19. Let’s talk about the NAAT saliva test, its effectiveness, and its approval from the FDA.
Getting tested for COVID-19 is a process that no one wants to go through, although it is unfortunately a reality that many people need to get tested on a regular basis for the time being. From negative test results required for travel to wanting to make sure you’re doing your part to stop the spread, […]
With the many COVID-19 variants circling the globe today, many individuals flock to testing sites to be tested. Over 3 million COVID-19 tests were taken in the United States alone, as of March 7, 2021. That number is even higher today as the Delta variant and other variants persist. An antigen test, also known as the rapid antigen test, is the test that many individuals choose to use when they want results results quickly. However, many wonder about the COVID-19 antigen test accuracy, along with what negative and positive results mean.
A COVID-19 antigen test, also known as a rapid test, can be false positive. In fact, the rapid test false positive rate is one of the reasons many clinicians will follow up a rapid test with a PCR or molecular COVID-19 test. This confirms the rapid test result or reveals if the rapid test has been inaccurate in both positive and negative cases. When can false positives happen with COVID-19 antigen tests? And what should be done to confirm the results or to stay safe? Here’s what you need and want to know about COVID-19 rapid test false positives.
Despite significant and positive progress, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. Therefore, implementing and distributing accurate and timely testing remains imperative when it comes to stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus and its variants. All forms of COVID-19 testing are vital to halting and preventing viral outbreaks. But how do these tests work and how are you meant to understand the results? As a part of our ongoing blog series, we’re continuing to go through the basics of COVID-19 testing. This blog will specifically focus on COVID-19 antigen tests and how they work in both asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals.
