The only way to control COVID-19 is to maintain social distancing, wear masks in public spaces, and observe proper hand hygiene. Also, going for Otsego, MN Covid testing for early testing is vital since you might be asymptomatic. It is possible to have coronavirus and not show symptoms.
And if you have the symptoms, they are not distinct from the ones associated with other illnesses such as influenza (flu). Common symptoms of coronavirus may include loss of taste or smell, fever, cough, difficulty breathing, body aches, and exhaustion.
So, you may have flu or any other illness while you think you have COVID-19 or vice versa. However, remember it is also possible to simultaneously have coronavirus and other diseases. Consequently, below are the three ways of diagnosing coronavirus infection.
Antigen testing
This testing involves the health provider taking a throat/nasal swab to detect and identify proteins associated with the COVID-19 virus. Antigen testing can be more helpful for you if you are at or nearing an infection peak.
One main advantage of antigen testing is that your doctor does not require state-of-the-art, costly test kits to detect if you have antigens. As a result, this testing method is relatively affordable and works faster.
However, the main issue is that if you have a coronavirus infection, it may take some time before antigens or the associated proteins show up in your body. The virus takes time to replicate inside your body’s cells and create enough protein that your tester can discover.
Thus, if your condition has not peaked or is not close to peaking, the tests for detecting antigens often come back negative while COVID-19 is still highly infectious. There is almost more than a 20% chance of getting false tests.
Molecular/PCR testing
PCR testing is a type of molecular testing for determining if you have the genetic material of the COVID-19 virus. Other molecular tests do not rely on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
PCR tests require a well-trained, experienced health professional with costly machines and specific reagents. You will only need a few hours before you can get your results.
Because PCR tests are often highly reliable, your tester will swab your nose or throat to collect only a tiny sample of the contagious virus’s RNA (genetic material). The testing allows the detection of coronavirus even during the early stages of infection when you may not even show symptoms.
The only potential issue is that molecular testing may show the presence of the RNA of the virus while it is no longer infectious or you have recovered. That may occur because coronavirus is still a relatively new disease that researchers are trying to study and understand better.
Antibody testing
Generally, experts do not consider antibody testing a diagnostic test for determining if you have coronavirus. Antibody testing involves extracts and subjects a sample of your blood to an investigation to see if it contains antibodies associated with the natural defense mechanism of activating your immune system as it tries to thwart a coronavirus attack.
Antibody testing is excellent for detecting a past infection.
Contact GatherWell to book an appointment for COVID-19 testing.
