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Thankfully, five years after the pandemic first started, we have been able to return to our normal lives. However, this does not mean COVID-19 is a thing of the past. There are several communities that are still battling with it, and new variants still emerge. These circumstances continue to make testing a critical component of public health surveillance, clinical decision-making, and personal responsibility.
Whether you’re presenting some of the typical symptoms, have been exposed to the virus, or need clearance for travel, understanding how tests differ and how you should interpret their results is key before making any new decisions.
The team at CareLife Medical can test you for COVID-19 and guide you in understanding your results. Nonetheless, we have also compiled a guide for helping you comprehend your assessment and know what to do next.
Types of COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests
Molecular Tests
Molecular tests identify COVID-19 infections by detecting the virus’ genetic material (the viral RNA). The most common type is PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), but all have high sensitivity and specificity, capable of detecting even low levels of viral load.
The results will be better if the test is done during the first week experiencing symptoms, and the sample will probably be taken from your nose or throat.
Antigen Tests
Antigen tests for COVID-19 are rapid diagnostic tests that detect specific proteins from the virus. If you need a quick screening, these are ideal, as results tend to appear after 15 or 30 minutes.
However, despite being one of the fastest options, they can be less sensitive than other tests, meaning they might miss infections in asymptomatic individuals or those with low viral loads. For this reason, we would recommend either repeating it or taking a PCR test if your results come back negative but you have symptoms.
There are different types of antigen tests, and you can take them at home with special kits or at a medical practice to diagnose an active infection.
Serological Tests
Also referred to as either IgM and/or IgG antibody tests, these are used to identify past exposure to COVID-19 by detecting antibodies produced in response to the virus through a blood sample.
Generally speaking, IgM appears around 5 days post-infection, while IgG antibodies appear around 14 days after, which is why these tests are useful for understanding your immune response, but are not reliable for an active infection.
Interpreting Results Over Time
When interpreting your COVID-19 test results, it is essential to consider:
- What do you need your test for
- What kind of test you got done
- How viral presence and immune response evolve over time
In order to truly understand your outcomes, possible false negatives, and what you should do next.
For example, the viral load of COVID-19, identifiable through PCR tests, peaks just before or shortly after your symptoms start. That is the ideal period to detect an active and contagious infection.
On the other hand, antibodies appear several days after the infection. In the case of IgM, they start appearing 5 days after the infection and indicate a recent response; while IgG appear from day 14 post-infection and suggest long-term immune response and past exposure.
This means that doing a certain test at the wrong time could lead to inaccurate or misleading results.
Why Is Timing Critical for COVID-19 Testing?
There are several possible scenarios when it comes to the timing for COVID-19 testing:
- Testing too early through a PCR (1 or 2 days after exposure) can lead to false negatives, as most probably the virus hasn’t reached detectable levels and there might be no symptoms yet.
- Testing too late with a PCR can also show false negatives as the viral RNA fades away.
- Undergoing an antibody test during an active infection can also lead to a false negative as IgM and IgG might have not appeared yet.
Remember that when it comes to COVID-19, a test is only as useful as its alignment with the body’s infection or immune response phase.
Clinical Scenarios and Test Interpretation
Correctly interpreting your COVID-19 diagnostic tests requires understanding the clinical setting and specific outcome. Some of the most common scenarios are:
For Symptomatic Individuals
- Positive PCR: Confirms SARS-CoV-2 infection and must be followed by isolation and close clinical guidance.
- Negative PCR: If your symptoms include fever, fatigue, and/or loss of smell, repeating your test or requesting additional evaluation through a chest image, for example, is a good idea. You might have tested too early for the PCR to detect the virus.
For Asymptomatic Individuals with Known Exposure
- Negative PCR: If your exposure was high-risk or very direct, your doctor will probably still advise to isolate and/or repeat the test after a few days.
- Antibody testing: Would not be useful, as it is too early for antibodies to develop and you should confirm the active infection.
For Asymptomatic Individuals with Known Exposure
- Negative PCR: If your exposure was high-risk or very direct, your doctor will probably still advise to isolate and/or repeat the test after a few days.
- Antibody testing: Would not be useful, as it is too early for antibodies to develop and you should confirm the active infection.
Factors Affecting Test Accuracy
When evaluating your COVID-19 diagnostic tests, you must also consider additional factors that could play a role in your results, such as:
- Poor sample collection technique
- Testing too early or too late
- Choosing the wrong test to the stage you’re in
- Patient history
- Inherent sensitivity and specificity of the test
- Cross-reactivity that leads to false positives
- And more
This is why, no matter your outcome, your result should always be interpreted alongside clinical judgement that also considers timing, symptoms, and patient history.
COVID-19 Testing in Church Falls, Virginia
The best thing you can do if you suspect you’re infected with COVID-19 is to get tested—however, keep in mind that testing very early in the disease could result in false negatives.
If you tested positive, keep calm and carefully follow your provider and CDC guidelines for the best outcomes. Monitor your symptoms and don’t hesitate to seek prompt medical attention if they get worse.
For accurate COVID-19 tests, you can contact CareLife Medical in Church Falls, Virginia. Our compassionate team will make sure to address your concerns and give you the best response and guidance. Schedule your appointment for a COVID-19 test online or by calling our Virginia practice.
Your life deserves personalized care. Contact us and let us guide you.