COVID-19 PCR Testing

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A healthcare provider will order a Covid-19 PCR test for you if you’ve been exposed to the virus. Your doctor will discuss your symptoms and order the test. Once the results are returned, you will be contacted by a contact investigator. They will evaluate your symptoms and contact you with information on quarantine and isolation. In some cases, you can do the testing yourself at home. But if you’re worried about contracting the disease, talk to your healthcare provider or public health department.

The PCR test is the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis. It’s extremely accurate and doesn’t require repeating. The turnaround time is usually one to three days. Antigen tests, also known as rapid tests, take only 15 to 30 minutes. These tests are less sensitive and may require a molecular test if the results come back negative. If you’re concerned about the quality of antigen tests, you can always request a Covid-19 PCR test.

COVID-19 PCR testing may not be approved for travel to some countries. But it can give false negative results that can help healthcare providers make informed decisions. Using a COVID-19 PCR test can be helpful to limit the spread of the virus. If you’re interested in having COVID-19 PCR testing performed, contact your health care provider in Cheshire. If you live in the Monadnock Region Public Health Region, you can get an appointment by using the myD-H patient portal.

While COVID-19 PCR testing is highly accurate, it is not a substitute for universal precautions. Although it provides you with an ultimate immunity, the test cannot replace the advice of your health care provider. While you’ll need to take the same precautions to protect your health, a positive test does not provide definitive protection. Therefore, you must follow the guidelines of the Department of Health (DOH). The laboratory performing the PCR test will bill your health insurance carrier directly.

COVID-19 PCR tests are a gold standard for COVID testing. The PCR test identifies protein fragments specific to the Coronavirus. The results of a COVID-19 PCR test are often reported within 15 minutes. A negative result should still be treated with universal precautions. You should also keep in mind that your results may not be the same as those of other people who have the virus.

A COVID-19 PCR test may not be as reliable as the COVID-19 RAPID test. Generally, the results of a COVID-19 PCR test are more reliable than a negative one. The lab will bill your health insurance provider directly if you’re not sure if you have the disease. The PCR results are considered conclusive only if the infection is confirmed by an antigen.