Co-Defend is America’s leading PPE expert and COVID testing service provider in the USA. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have tested hundreds of patients across the country for COVID-19. Here in this blog, we have discussed all the things that you need to know about COVID testing services and solutions and how can you get care and treatment.
Who Should Opt for COVID Testing Services?
Co-Defend has started providing COVID-19 testing for individuals who have coronavirus related queries, concerns, and symptoms. We believe that widespread COVID-19 testing services and solutions are crucial for controlling the spread of coronavirus.
The CDC currently recommends two main groups to go for COVID testing services and solutions.
- People with COVID-19 symptoms – Individuals who have symptoms like cough, fever, and shortness of breath as well as the ones who have been exposed to an infected person should go for COVID test solutions and services. These groups should immediately quarantine themselves and consult with their doctor who will tell whether you need to get tested or not.
- People older than 65 – People above the age of 65, those who have chronic underlying medical conditions, or individuals with a weak immune system should consult with their doctor if they have coronavirus concerns or symptoms.
When to Get Tested for COVID?
Getting tested within the first few days of COVID symptoms or 5 to 8 days after a potential exposure to asymptomatic people ensures the most accurate results. Too early or too late COVID testing could not detect the infection appropriately which results in a so-called ‘false negative’ result.
For instance, you should not go for immediate COVID testing after returning from a trip as it won’t give you accurate information about exposure to asymptomatic persons during the trip. You should also remember that a negative COVID test result does not necessarily outweigh locally-mandated self-quarantine where these essential measures are adopted.
As the current COVID cases levels and testing limitations the USA is experiencing once again, we continue to request people to adhere to the guidelines issued by the CDC on how to protect themselves and others from spreading coronavirus.
Co-defend is committed to ensuring the good health and safety of our staff and communities. We work closely with healthcare systems and authorities and keep you informed about the latest safety guidelines.
COVID-19 PCR Testing Timeline
- Day 0 – Day of potential exposure. Schedule for COVID-19 testing services and solutions at Co-Defend as early as possible. Begin self-quarantine.
- Day 1 – 4 – Quarantine phase
- Day 5-8 – The most accurate testing time. Get yourself tested for COVID-19.
- Day 9 – Report Preparation
- Day 10-14 – Receive test results. End self-quarantine if you had low-risk exposure and you’re not having any symptoms. However, if you had high-risk exposure and you’re highly symptomatic, then you may consult with your doctor for the next steps.
Which Type of COVID-19 Test is the Best for You?
As a trusted COVID testing service provider, we conduct the following types of COVID-19 tests.
- PCR Tests
This type of COVID test is used to detect whether you’re currently infected with COVID-19. PCR test is the highest quality COVID test as it detects the coronavirus’s genetic material (RNA) in the patient’s cell. It uses a nasal or throat swab to detect infection for both symptomatic and asymptomatic persons.
- Rapid Antigen Tests
This test is used to detect specific proteins on the virus’s surface. If you have active symptoms of infection, then antigen tests are very good at determining if the symptoms are because of COVID-19. Antigen tests can be read within a matter of minutes however, they are less sensitive than PCR tests. Therefore, it is more clinically useful for symptomatic patients. We recommend PCR tests for most infected patients, though your doctors and providers will tell you which type of testing is best for your unique conditions during your COVID testing visit.
- Antibody Testing
This is useful for detecting past exposure, which is not an active infection. It’s still a mystery whether the presence of COVID-19 antibodies controls immunity to the infection. As antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 start fading within a few weeks of infection, for many people, antibody testing won’t generate helpful information.
Does Co-Defend Provide COVID Testing Services for Kids?
Yes. We are testing kids above 14 and younger at Co-Defend with an appointment. You may schedule your appointment with us for testing as well as the examination of COVID-19 symptoms in your child. We also have a virtual medical team so that you can reach out to them in case of urgent concerns related to the virus.
How Much Do COVID Test Solutions and Services Cost?
Co-Defend does not charge any fees directly to infected patients for COVID testing services or specimen collection. However, since these tests involve lab processes, they are chargeable. While most of the national insurance payers cover the cost of COVID test solutions and services, however, if you’re uninsured, you will receive a standard bill from the lab. If you avail of additional services in the same visit, then you will receive a bill for those services as well.
How Much Time Does it Take to Get the COVID Test Results?
As more and more COVID-positive cases are rising at unprecedented levels across the US, there is a huge demand for COVID test solutions and services in recent weeks. Even though testing facilities, hospitals, and laboratories have augmented their operations to provide essential resources, care, and treatment since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the increased demand for COVID-19 testing services is putting immense pressure on the healthcare systems. Moreover, most labs that are conducting COVID-19 tests are experiencing capacity limitations which are causing unwanted delays in getting test results and supplies.
Co-Defend is here to help these labs and healthcare systems by providing high-quality and reliable COVID-19 testing services and accurate test results on time to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Can I Schedule an Appointment for COVID-19 Testing Before Traveling?
As COVID-19 case levels are increasing day by day, the CDC strongly advises that people should avoid unnecessary traveling. It’s worth noting that a negative COVID-19 test result does not completely eliminate the potential risk associated with travel. However, if you still need to travel, make sure to check local requirements for the place you’re going to visit and return to ensure that you comply with the local health and safety rules and regulations, which may include showing COVID test results for pre and post-travel.
If you’re planning to get tested for COVID in order to travel, Co-Defend does not guarantee that our test results will be delivered in the time required and may not comply with certain needs for certain travel destinations. For example, some airlines and locations such as Hawaii provide a list of approved lab partners and locations for COVID testing services before departure. Our PCR results turnaround time may vary from 48 hours to a week, depending on the COVID-19 testing demand at any particular time.
Wrapping Up
Currently, the easiest solution is to consult with your primary care doctor to know more about COVID tests and procedures and to determine if you need to get tested for COVID-19. You may also reach out to approved labs or COVID testing service providers for consultation and checkup.
If you need to get tested for COVID-19, Co-Defend can help you with its reliable COVID-19 testing services and solutions, that too at an affordable price range. We are available 24×7 so that you can get remote care from the comfort of your home or wherever you are.
Stay in touch with us to get the latest updates on COVID-19 testing services and solutions.
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