When It’s Time To Get A Covid Test

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By Yhordan Serpentini | February 15, 2023

With the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) across the world, the importance of getting tested for the virus has become increasingly apparent. For many, the question of when to get a covid test is a difficult one. In this blog post, we will discuss the different factors to consider when deciding when to get tested for the virus, including what the latest guidance from health experts recommends and when to get tested if you have any symptoms.

covid test

Symptoms of Covid-19

There are many different reasons why you may want to receive or need to receive a Covid test, however, experiencing or showing signs of covid symptoms should be an immediate indicator to get tested. Despite the CDC being on top of spreading Covid awareness to the public, there are still a vast majority of individuals who aren’t familiar with the symptoms. If you are one of those individuals, then below is a list of the most common symptoms found in adults and children:

Symptoms Found In Adults:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Fatigue
  • Body Aches
  • Loss of Smell or taste
  • Sore Throat
  • Headache (severe or minor)
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

Symptoms Found In Children:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Cough
  • Body Aches
  • Sore Throat
  • Excessive Fatigue
  • Diarrhea

Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention:

  • Pneumonia (found mostly in children)
  • Chest Pain
  • Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing
  • Bluish Coloring (lips or face)
  • Sudden Confusion
  • Severe Drowsiness

When To Get Tested For Covid-19

As mentioned earlier, there is a multitude of reasons why you would want to or need to get a covid test, outside of showing signs of symptoms. If you plan on traveling internationally, for example, you will be required to show the results of a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. Additionally, if you plan on attending a large event or a social gathering, you may either be asked to, required to or voluntarily get a covid test for both your safety and the safety of those around you.

There are other circumstances that may require you to get a covid test, as well, such as: being in contact with one or multiple people showing flu-like symptoms or symptoms of covid; a test being ordered by a healthcare provider in order to proceed with surgery or an operation, or an appointment; a test required by your health insurance; and/or a test required by your occupation.

Which Covid Test Should You Take?

It is important to understand the differences between the three major types of Covid tests—PCR tests, antigen tests, and antibody tests—as each of them has unique advantages and drawbacks.

PCR tests are the most accurate and are used to detect active Covid-19 infections. These tests look for the presence of the virus’s genetic material; however, the drawback is that the results of a PCR test can take several days to come back, but they are considered to be the most reliable type of Covid test.

Antigen tests are considered to be less accurate than PCR tests, but they can provide results in a much shorter time frame. These tests detect the presence of proteins on the virus’s surface; however, they are more likely to produce false negatives. So, if the results of an antigen test are negative, it is important to consider getting a PCR test as well.

Finally, there are antibody tests that detect the presence of antibodies in the blood that are produced by the body in response to a Covid-19 infection. These tests are useful for determining if a person has been previously infected with the virus, but they cannot be used to determine if a person currently has the virus.

How To Prepare For A Covid Test

Here are some tips on how to best prepare for a Covid test:

  • Be prepared to answer questions about your health, travel, and contact with others who have tested positive. During the screening process, you will likely be asked a variety of questions related to your health, travel, and contact with anyone who has tested positive. Being prepared with this information ahead of time can help the process go more smoothly.
  • Know what type of test you are getting and how to get the results. There are several types of Covid tests available, and it’s important to understand which one you’re getting and how you’ll get your results. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about the test, including when and how you can expect to receive the results.
  • Be aware of any costs associated with getting the test and whether your insurance will cover it. Many insurance companies are now covering Covid tests, but it’s always best to check with your provider to be sure. If your insurance doesn’t cover the cost, ask the testing site if they have any payment plans or other options available.
  • Understand the limitations of the test, including accuracy and false positives. Covid tests are not 100% accurate, so it’s important to be aware of the limitations of the test. Additionally, false positives can occur, so it’s important to understand what this means and what to do if you receive a false positive.
  • Bring a list of any medications you are taking. It’s important to have a list of any medications you are taking, as this can help your healthcare provider better understand how to interpret the results of your test.
  • Be aware of the availability of testing sites and hours of operation. Different testing sites may have different hours of operation and availability, so it’s important to do your research ahead of time to make sure you can get tested when you need to.
Need a fast and reliable PCR test for Covid-19? Visit our Lab Tests page to see all of our available PCR options to book an appointment with us!

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to be medical advice

References:

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