People must be cautious but not fearful of getting educated about COVID-19 and everything else that comes with it. Thats why educating people kindly and openly regarding COVID-19 testing and the like can help them make more informed decisions in the future.
To get more people tested, there must be affordable testing measures available. However, it can be confusing for some to figure out which type of testing they need to take when they need to take it. Thats why this article is here to show you what the different types of COVID-19 tests are so that you know before you take one.
Reasons Why You Should Get Tested
Before we cover what are the different types of COVID-19 tests, lets first cover why you should get tested and reasons why you might need to take one.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people who are at risk for getting COVID-19 to get tested. However, thats not the only reason why people would want to get tested for COVID-19. The most common reason, though, is that theyre starting to show symptoms of the disease.
Other reasons why you might need to get tested for COVID-19 would be the following:
- According to the CDC, at least five days after youve found out that youve been in close contact with a positive COVID-19 case.
- Before and after traveling anywhere, especially abroad.
- For requested screening for the attendance in work, school, etc.
- Upon the request of a healthcare professional or any public health official.
If you fall under any of these categories, then it will be in your best interest to get tested as soon as possible.
Types of COVID-19 Tests:
Now that you know the reasons why someone would need to take a COVID-19 test, its time to understand the different types of COVID-19 tests. It can fall under two categories: a viral test or an antibody test.
Viral Tests
Viral tests are what you need to take if you want to know if you currently are infected by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that is causing COVID-19. They detect viral infections in the person. Under viral tests, you can have either rapid tests or laboratory tests.
Laboratory Tests
This test usually includes the RT-PCR as well as the Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAAT). Since this requires lab testing, it can take a few days to find the results.
Rapid Point-of-Care Tests
This type of test produces results faster than a lab test. There are also self-tests which are rapid tests that you can perform on yourself. Antigen and some NAATs can be a rapid test.
Antibody Tests
Antibody tests detect the antibodies that your body produced upon getting into contact potentially by SARS-CoV-2 to fight the infection. This test is best for diagnosing a past infection rather than a present one. Thus, to be safe, its better to take a viral test like the Healgen Covid Test to let you know if you could potentially have COVID-19.
What to Do After Finding Out the Results
Once youve taken the right test and youve found out the results, its time to figure out what your next steps should be.
According to the National Health Service or the NHS, heres what you should be doing depending on your result.
Positive Test Result:
- Report your results to the NHS.
- Avoid meeting people for five days, and ten days for people at higher risk from COVID-19 if you tested positive.
- If you tested positive and have symptoms like a high fever and fatigue, avoid meeting other people until you no longer have the symptoms and feel well. If your symptoms persist, call 111 or 999 for emergencies.
- You can also check with NHS if youre eligible for COVID-19 treatments.
Negative Test Result:
- Report your results to the NHS.
- If youre going to undergo a hospital procedure, its best to stay at home and avoid meeting people until the procedure.
- Otherwise, continue as you were.
Conclusion
Knowing more about COVID-19 testing will help make it more approachable and less daunting to many people. Now, you will know the steps you need to take as well as the tests should you ever need to undergo testing as well as what to do after.