COVID-19 Testing Information Available from Medcare
The Coronavirus has turned the world upside down. It would seem no single event has brought the world to a halt in the same way. After weeks of quarantine the country is ready to open their doors and get back to the business of life. In order to do so, we must be prepared to move cautiously and make informed decisions.
This begins by understanding the hows and whys of testing for COVID-19.
A Quick Review – What IS the CoronaVirus and COVID-19? ‘
Coronaviruses’ are a group of viruses that affect birds and mammals. They are also able to cause respiratory tract infections in humans that range in severity from mild to harsh. COVID-19 is a variation of the virus. You may read the terms ‘coronavirus’ and ‘COVID-19’ used interchangeably but COVID-19 is a subset of coronaviruses.
The term ‘novel coronavirus’ is also being used. The word ‘novel’ means ‘new or never before experienced’. When the term is used in conjunction with the term ‘COVID-19’ or ‘coronavirus’ it indicates this is an illness that has been caused by the new or unique ‘coronavirus’.
Testing for COVID-19
Currently, there are two types of tests that can be used when attempting to determine if an individual has the coronavirus. These are diagnostic tests and antibody blood tests.
A diagnostic test can identify if you are carrying the COVID-19 virus. It is done by taking a respiratory sample which has been done by swabbing the inside of the nose. If it is a ‘point of care’ test, then results will be made available within a time frame of an hour or so. However, it is also possible that the samples may be sent to a laboratory for confirmation of the virus. This is a process that may take up to two days.
A second form of testing is ‘antibody blood test’. This is also known as a ‘serologic’ test. This type of testing checks the blood for ‘antibodies’. When you become ill your body will fight off the infection with the creation of antibodies. An antibody is a protein that is created in the body to fight germs. These remain in the blood after you have healed and are an indication that you had COVID-19. An antibody or serologic test may not indicate if you are currently carrying the virus because the body takes anywhere from 1-3 weeks before the body begins to make antibodies in reaction to the virus.
How to Get Tested
If you believe you may have COVID-19 contact Medcare Urgent Care for information on how to proceed.
- To keep yourself and others safe, you should wait for instructions on where to go and what to do. If there are others in your residence and you are feeling ill – self-quarantine until you can be tested.
- There are a number of places that are performing COVID-19 diagnostic and/or serologic testing in our area. However, don’t wait! If you are feeling ill contact the professionals at Medcare Urgent Care. They will direct you on the steps to take.
More about Testing
- Scientists, medical professionals and researchers from all over the world are hard at work creating a response to this highly contagious and very lethal virus.
- States and Public Health officials are creating plans on how the country will reopen but keep people safe. Until a vaccine is created, there is sure to be a new ‘normal’ in our everyday activities.
Seek professional medical support from an urgent care near you. Medcare Urgent Care is located in Redford, MI. We have extended hours and a staff trained to provide expert medical care. Visit the walk-in clinic at 26611 W 7 Mile Rd, Redford, MI 48240 or phone (313) 300 2549 to learn more about our services visit our website at www.medcaremich.com
Do not despair – we will get through this together!