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COVID-19 testing is an important factor in preventing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, false test results can concern those who are trying to check for COVID-19. False negative results are worrisome because of a higher likelihood of spreading the virus without realizing it. False positives can be a concern when someone doesn’t want to unnecessarily isolate themselves or when they need a negative COVID-19 test to travel. Before looking at how to prevent a false positive COVID-19 test, it is important to note how accurate they are.
Simply put, a false positive COVID-19 test occurs when test results come back as positive, but you are actually not infected with COVID-19. If you receive a positive result, there’s a possibility that it’s inaccurate. So how do false positives happen?
When you go through COVID-19 testing, you should either be tested by a medical professional or follow your at-home testing kit instructions precisely. Throat swab COVID test accuracy is still not fully tested in the same way nasal swab COVID test accuracy is. Because of this, the medical community currently relies more on nasal swab testing.
The short answer is yes, the federal government mandated that all Americans have access to free COVID-19 testing. However, many people still have medical bills associated with their testing. Sometimes these are related to Emergency Rooms fees when their tests were performed, others who need to fight for COVID test reimbursement by insurance providers to get the cost covered.
When you have symptoms of COVID-19 or may have been exposed to a positive case, it’s crucial to consider COVID-19 testing. While the idea of testing might be overwhelming, taking a test will protect you and others if you have contracted the virus. In many places, people can take a rapid antigen test, which provides quick results, or PCR COVID-19 test, which is more accurate. But just how fast is a rapid COVID test?
The short answer is typically, someone is contagious between 5 and 10 days after a positive test. The longer answer is that it will be different for everyone depending on a few factors. Generally the people who are contagious for the shorter end of the range are those who have been fully vaccinated, and whose symptoms are improving. The people who are more likely to be contagious for up to 10 days are those who have not been vaccinated, whose symptoms are not improving, or who have a compromised immune system.
Testing negative for COVID-19 doesn’t always mean you’re in the clear to return to normal. In some cases, a negative result does not rule out the presence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. There is a possibility that your COVID-19 test showed a negative result by mistake.
In general, if you do fit the criteria of being a close contact, it is a good idea to self-quarantine. Guidance has changed through the COVID-19 pandemic as people get vaccinated, new information is learned, and variants come and go. You may find conflicting information about whether or not you should. Self-quarantine after exposure to COVID-19 can help slow the spread of the virus and you may choose to follow a strict protocol out of an abundance of caution.
If you have had a recent exposure to someone with COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms, or are planning to travel, testing for COVID-19 is recommended (and sometimes required) to keep yourself and your community safe. Testing is a powerful tool to slow the spread of COVID-19 among both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons.
With all of the options for testing–at a testing site, at home, rapid result, mail-in, nasal swab, throat swab, Emergency Use Authorization, FDA approved–it can be difficult to know which test will give the most accurate results.
This post will provide clarity on the differences between COVID-19 molecular tests–also known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests–and antigen tests, which are commonly referred to as rapid tests.
Understanding the length of time it takes for someone to become sick after being exposed to COVID-19 is vital for slowing the spread. You may have recently been exposed to COVID-19 and are now asking, “How long should I be quarantining? When should I consider COVID-19 testing? Will I even get sick?”
Since its emergence in November of 2021, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has spread more quickly than any previous variant. With a recent spike resulting from the holiday season, more people and businesses are relying on COVID-19 testing to slow the spread.
With another new, highly-transmissible COVID-19 variant emerging, we’re guessing you have a few questions about this new variant, known as Omicron. Don’t worry—in this post, we’re answering some of the most-searched questions about this new threat—what it is, how it spreads, and how to keep your family safe through protective measures and COVID-19 testing.
If you’ve followed COVID-19 news at all in late 2021 and early 2022, there’s one word you’re sure to have heard: Omicron. This Variant of Concern (VOC) is highly transmissible—much more so than Delta. And although symptoms are reported to be somewhat milder than Delta, severe illness, hospitalization, and deaths are still occurring. In other words, Omicron is not to be taken lightly, and there is a continued need for vaccines, masking, and proactive COVID-19 testing procedures.
COVID-19 testing is one of the most important defenses we have in the fight against the pandemic. Thankfully there are multiple ways you can get tested for COVID-19. One of the most convenient ways is by using a COVID at home test kit. However, these at home antigen tests for COVID-19 are in short supply and may be difficult to come by. In this article we will explain how at home COVID-19 testing works and list where you can find these tests both for purchase and free of charge.
When it comes to COVID-19 testing, there are many different options available to folks these days. From PCR to antigen to rapid to antibody tests…The list goes on and on. Not only are there different methods of testing, but there are also a plethora of test providers and even at-home tests that you can take. Today we’re taking a closer look at the antigen test for COVID-19 to answer all of your questions about this method of testing.
COVID-19 testing remains one of our most powerful tools in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as the virus evolves. Just as the pandemic progresses, so too does testing. For example, we now have multiple test types, like PCR, antigen, rapid, at-home, and antibody testing.
As we enter year 3, optimism remains that the COVID-19 pandemic will become something we talk about in the past tense. Sadly, though, we’re not there yet.
In addition to measures to prevent the spread—like vaccination, social distancing, and mask-wearing—COVID-19 testing is going to be the key to getting back to normal. When individuals, whether they have suspected symptoms of the virus or not, receive a positive test result, they can take measures to minimize how many contacts they expose.
Anxiously waiting on your COVID test results? So are many other people. Recently, the New York Times reported that nearly 2 million COVID-19 tests were being processed every day. Before you start panicking and Googling, “I haven’t received my COVID test results,” let us ease your mind. We’ll elaborate on some of the intricacies involved in the COVID-19 testing process and explain what you should expect while you wait to receive your results.
After COVID-19 testing confirms what you’ve been dreading—a positive test result for SARS-CoV-2—the process of isolation and recovery begins. Many people want to do the right thing, staying away from others until they are no longer contagious, but how long is that time period? We’re exploring this answer and more.
ymptoms, cases continue to rise at an alarming rate. In fact, hospitalizations and infections are reaching record highs.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, each day seems to bring a new batch of confusing terminology and conflicting information. Covid variants pop up and disappear or stick around and dominate the news cycle. “Omicron” has recently become a buzzword in the latest COVID-19 news…but what exactly is Omicron and is it something to be concerned about? We’ll explore these answers and more.
