COVID-19 Testing

What is COVID-19 testing?

COVID-19 testing detects SARS-CoV-2 or the biomarkers of the virus that causes a COVID-19 infection.

This type of viral infection is highly contagious and easily spreads from one person to another through respiratory droplets that travel through the air after you cough, sneeze, or speak.

At McLean Cares, tests are also available to identify antibodies your body produces after you have a COVID-19 infection or after you receive a vaccine against the virus.

Why do I need COVID-19 testing?

Some people can have an active COVID-19 infection without experiencing any symptoms and unknowingly spread the virus to other people. The goal of COVID-19 testing is to confirm an active infection, so you can take precautions against infecting others.

In people over 65 and those with existing health conditions and weakened immune systems, COVID-19 infections can cause serious and potentially life-threatening complications, including:

• Respiratory distress
• Chronic fatigue
• Organ damage
• Neurological damage
• Loss of taste and/or smell
• Premature death

To lower the spread of infection and prevent serious complications, you should schedule COVID-19 testing at McLean Cares if you have contact with an infected person or if you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. You should also consider testing before and after you travel.

You might benefit from an antibody test to confirm you already had a COVID-19 infection or assess your protection against the virus after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or booster. COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to significantly reduce your risk for serious illness and hospitalization.

What happens during COVID-19 testing?

There are two types of viral COVID-19 tests available – rapid tests and laboratory tests. Both use samples of fluids from your nose or mouth to test for the virus. The rapid test provides results in minutes, while lab testing results take several days.

During a rapid test, the team uses a long swab to collect a sample of fluids from the back of your nose or mouth. This can cause some discomfort during the test, but it only takes a few seconds to collect a sample.

If your test results are positive for COVID-19, you must stay in isolation for at least five days, even if you don’t have symptoms. You should schedule follow-up testing and only resume your usual activities once your COVID-19 tests are no longer positive.

If your results are negative, you should continue to wear a mask in public places and use other precautions to lower your risk of getting a COVID-19 infection.

To schedule COVID-19 testing, call the McLean Cares office nearest you or book an appointment online today.