COVID-19 Testing
As health experts continue to contain the spread of COVID-19, testing is essential in identifying those infected for proper treatment and isolation. At-home COVID testing provided by Speedy Sticks Mobile Medical Services allows you to have the test you need in the privacy of your home or office.
Symptoms of COVID-19
You can have a wide range of symptoms with COVID-19 that range from mild to severe. These may occur two to fourteen days after your exposure to the virus. Your symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Tiredness
- Aching muscles
- Loss of smell and taste
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
Who Needs to Get Tested for COVID-19?
If you suspect that you have COVID-19 and get tested, you should quarantine at home until you receive your test results. Then, you should follow the advice of your health care provider while you wait for the results and after receiving them. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends testing for:
- Those who have the typical symptoms of COVID-19.
- Most individuals who have had close contact** with a person who has a confirmed COVID-19 infection. If you are fully vaccinated, you should be tested within 3-5 days after a known exposure. You should wear a mask in public indoor environments for two weeks or until you receive your test results. If you tested positive in the last three months and have fully recovered, you do not require testing unless you develop COVID-19 symptoms.
- Unvaccinated people who have been in high-risk situations such as travel, attending events where social distancing was not possible, or being in poorly ventilated areas with a crowd.
- Those asked to have a test by their physician or local health department.
Mobile COVID Testing
When you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, coughing, and fatigue, you may need to know if you have COVID-19, the flu, a cold, or another illness. We can administer a respiratory viral panel and other tests in the privacy and comfort of your own home. In addition, mobile COVID testing can help minimize your exposure to viruses by limiting the time you spend in crowded medical offices and facilities.
Types of COVID-19 Tests
There are two main types of tests used to determine your COVID-19 status.
- Diagnostic tests. These tests, also known as viral tests, let you know if you currently have an active COVID-19 infection. The results from these tests help you make decisions about isolating yourself from other people and receiving necessary treatment. Samples for these tests are usually taken from the nose, throat, or saliva.
- Antibody tests. After you have a COVID-19 infection, your immune system produces antibodies that stay in your blood for several weeks or more. The antibody test is not diagnostic for a current COVID-19 infection. This test requires a blood sample from a finger prick or drawn from a vein in your arm.
Learn more below about the various kinds of diagnostic and antibody tests offered by Speedy Sticks.
Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Test
This tests for specific COVID-19 antigens using a nasal swab sample. You get your results from this test in fifteen minutes.
Saliva PCR Test
This is a safe, comfortable, less intrusive, and reliable alternative to the nasal swab test and only requires a saliva test.
Nasal PCR Test
Although the CDC regards the nasal PCR test as superior in some cases, you should discuss the best option for you with your healthcare provider.
COVID-19 Antibody Testing
The antibody blood test can help businesses and individuals ease safety concerns by revealing past COVID-19 exposure that can confer immunity to the virus.
COVID-19 RT-PCR Buccal Swab Test
This is another reliable and less intrusive alternative PCR test that uses a sample taken from inside your cheek.
What Else Do I Need To Know?
*All recommendations are current with the latest CDC guidelines at the time of this writing. This content is for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace consulting with a healthcare professional. Please consult with your primary care physician or healthcare provider before engaging in any services offered by Speedy Sticks.
** The CDC defines “close contact” as within 6 feet for 15 minutes or longer within a 24-hour period.