Understanding the COVID Testing Process
Are you feeling a bit under the weather? Once, you may have chalked it up to a cold or allergies and tried to power through. Now, the first thing that pops into your head is COVID-19.
However, not all COVID tests are the same (for example, both a PCR COVID test and a COVID antibody test are available). So, the question is, what type of test should you take? And how long will it take for you to get the results you need?
Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about the COVID testing process, including the COVID antibody test and PCR COVID test timelines.
What Does the PCR COVID Testing Process Involve?
This type of COVID-19 test is specifically designed to tell you if your body currently contains the coronavirus. The major benefit of this type of test is that it is about 99% accurate.
The PCR test is performed using thin cotton swabs covered with absorbent material. Health care providers insert swabs deep inside patients’ nasal passages or throats. Then, the swabs are swirled around for around 15 seconds before being withdrawn. The purpose of this process is to obtain samples of mucus or sputum—the substance typically associated with spitting, sneezing, or coughing.
Note that if COVID symptoms, such as cough and fever, have prompted you to take a PCR COVID test, you should also schedule a virtual doctor’s visit with your primary care physician on the same day. Your doctor can help you to manage your symptoms safely.
What Does the COVID Antibody Testing Process Involve?
Perhaps you don’t necessarily feel sick at the moment. Still, you would like to find out if you have ever contracted the novel coronavirus. In this situation, you need to complete the COVID serology antibody testing process.
A serology test will essentially let you know if you have antibodies present due to being exposed to the coronavirus in the past. The COVID antibody testing process involves drawing blood from the arm. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
The benefit of undergoing the COVID antibody testing process is that it is deemed 100% specific. In other words, this test has no false positives for residents of Los Angeles.
Note that if you had COVID in the past, you likely experienced some immunity from the virus for three to six months. However, you likely won’t be immune to the newer COVID strains. For this reason, it is critical that you continue to protect yourself and others by wearing masks and practicing physical distancing when out in public.
COVID Antibody Test and PCR COVID Test Timelines and Insurance
Whether you undergo the antibody or the PCR COVID testing process, you can expect to receive standard results in 48 to 72 hours. Expedited results can be expected in 24 to 48 hours. However, the lab to which your sample is sent may not be available on Sunday, so keep this in mind as you await your results. The results will likely finally come by email or text when you work with a reputable testing provider.
Also, if you have health insurance, your insurance company should cover the cost of your antibody or PCR test. This means you don’t have to worry about paying copays or out-of-pocket expenses. If you don’t have insurance, a reputable testing provider will charge you nothing more than the cash price of the test.
