Rapid COVID-19 testing is a fast and effective way to determine whether you have this highly contagious infection. At Dillman Clinic and Lab in Lakeville, Minnesota, double board-certified internal medicine and pediatrics specialist Dr. Megan Dillman, performs rapid COVID-19 testing at her office. If you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, don’t hesitate to seek a rapid test at Dillman Clinic and Lab. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.
What is rapid COVID-19 testing?
COVID-19 is a potentially serious infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a type of coronavirus. Testing for the infection is the most effective way for public health officials to accurately record case numbers and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Unlike the molecular test, which magnifies sections of RNA to detect the virus’ presence, rapid testing (antigen testing) checks for protein markers on the outside of the virus.
How effective is rapid COVID-19 testing?
Rapid COVID-19 testing is most accurate when you have a high viral load. As a result, Dr. Megan Dillman recommends visiting for a rapid test when you’re already exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, such as:
Most rapid tests can accurately detect the presence of COVID-19 1-5 days after your initial symptoms start.
What happens during rapid COVID-19 testing?
During a rapid COVID-19 test, Dr. Megan Dillman collects a sample of your mucus using nasal swabs. She inserts the swab into your nostril to collect the specimen then repeats the process in your other nostril. The entire process is quick and painless. Most rapid COVID-19 tests take about five minutes or less.
How long does it take to get results from rapid COVID-19 testing?
Unlike molecular testing, which can take 24-72 hours to get results, your rapid test results are available within 24 hours. Dr. Megan Dillman and the team at Dillman Clinic and Lab can notify you of your results within hours of collection thanks to their onsite laboratory and partnership with Quest Diagnostics®.
What happens if my rapid COVID-19 test returns positive?
If you test positive for COVID-19, it’s essential to stay home and quarantine away from others. Self-isolation ensures you can’t spread the viral infection to your community. You may also need to contact anybody you’ve seen within the week before you received your positive result so they can seek testing.
The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from mild to severe. Many individuals experience minor symptoms that require little more than rest, hydration, and over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu medication. However, if you experience difficulty breathing, sudden chest pain, or confusion, you should seek emergency care right away.