COVID-19 Testing
We offer both rapid antigen and PCR COVID-19 testing for our members. We understand the information around testing can be confusing and seems to change frequently. We hope this information brings clarity. If you have any questions, please reach out to your provider.
Types of Tests
- Rapid Antigen: The rapid antigen tests detect proteins from the virus and can provide results in as little as 15 minutes. These are available at our clinic as rapid antigen/flu combination tests for our members and at local pharmacies in an over-the-counter version. These tests do not detect the virus itself but instead detect whether you have proteins produced by the virus in your nose. You could have the virus but not produce enough protein at that time for the test to detect. If you are not producing enough viral protein for a positive test, you are unlikely to be contagious. And so, a rapid antigen test is best regarded as a test of whether you are contagious at that moment. You could still have the virus and be contagious later.
- PCR: The PCR tests detect the actual virus through a nasal swab or through your saliva. These tests are quite sensitive, though they can still give false negatives in the first 3-5 days after exposure as the virus begins to replicate. These tests are typically done through a clinic or lab. There is a rapid over-the-counter PCR test from Lucira; however, availability can be limited.
What Test to Choose
The best type of test depends on your circumstances, so we have outlined common scenarios below to help you choose. No test is perfect, but using the right test at the right time will help improve the predictive value of the test.
A “known exposure” or “close contact” is having at least 15 minutes cumulative time within 6 feet or less with a person known to have COVID-19 or suspected to have COVID-19.
Please note that if you are looking to get a screening test to attend an event, you need to see if they will accept an over-the-counter test or if you need a test performed at a clinic. We will not be able to provide a clinic note for tests not performed through our clinic.
Am I Fully Vaccinated?
As of December 27th, 2021, the CDC has updated guidelines around vaccination status. Those who have received both doses of either Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines within the past 6 months, or who are past 6 months and recevied a booster, are considered fully vaccinated. If you received the J&J COVID-19 vaccine, then you are no longer full immunized after 2 months. If you initially recieved the J&J vaccine, you can get a booster with either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. You can read more about the updated guidelines here.
Click the Box Below that Matches your Situation
Fully Vaccinated:
Symptomatic & Known COVID Exposure
If you are vaccinated, symptomatic, and have a known exposure to COVID-19, you can have either a PCR or Rapid Antigen test performed. If the test is positive for COVID-19, you need to quarantine for at least 5 days and may only come out of quarantine if you have been fever free for 24hrs. If the test is negative for COVID-19, you can end isolation after your fever has resolved for 24 hours.
Click Here to Schedule your Test
Symptomatic & No Known COVID Exposure
If you are vaccinated, have no known exposure, and have symptoms that may be related to COVID-19 you may have either a PCR or Rapid Antigen test. If the test is negative, you can resume normal activities after you have been fever free for 24 hrs. When you are symptomatic, a quality test is quite accurate.
Click Here to Schedule your Test
No Symptoms & Known COVID Exposure
If you are vaccinated, asymptomatic, and have a known exposure to COVID-19, you may continue to work though you should wear a mask. You should have a PCR or Rapid Antigen test at day five after exposure. If you develop symptoms, then retest and begin to isolate until symptoms resolve and you have been fever free for 24hrs.
Please keep in mind that PCR tests might give an inaccurate result in the first 3 days after exposure, and a Rapid Antigen test only tells you if you are contagious at the time of the test.
If you are testing in preparation to visit individuals who are elderly or are immunocompromised, please consider additional precautions such as quarantining prior to the visit as well as following both mask and hygiene guidelines.
Click Here to Schedule your Test
No Symptoms & No Known COVID Exposure
If you have no known exposure and no symptoms OR you would like to screen for COVID-19 prior to attending an event, then you may have either a PCR test or a Rapid Antigen test. The PCR test usually takes 24 hrs to result but may take longer depending on the demand at the lab. The Rapid Antigen test will provide results on the same day.
Please keep in mind that PCR tests might give an inaccurate result in the first 3 days after exposure, and a Rapid Antigen test only tells you if you are contagious at the time of the test.
If you are testing in preparation to visit individuals who are elderly or are immunocompromised, please consider additional precautions such as quarantining prior to the visit as well as following both mask and hygiene guidelines.
Click Here to Schedule your Test
Unvaccinated or Vaccination has lapsed:
Symptomatic & Known COVID Exposure
If you are unvaccinated, symptomatic, and have a known exposure to COVID-19, you need to quarantine for five days. You may return to normal activity after 5 days and being fever free for 24 hrs. You should still wear a mask for a full ten days after exposure. You may want to consider testing with a rapid antigen test before returning to work or being around vulnerable populations. A negative rapid antigen test at day 5 would mean you are unlikely to be contagious. We still recommend testing to both aid in guiding your treatment and informing your contacts about their potential exposure. Either the Rapid Antigen or the PCR test would be accurate in the symptomatic phase.
Click Here to Schedule your Test
Symptomatic & No Known COVID Exposure
If you are unvaccinated, have no known exposure, and have symptoms that may be related to COVID-19, you may have either a PCR or Rapid Antigen test. If the test is negative, you can resume normal activities after you have been fever free for 24 hrs. When you are symptomatic, a quality test is quite accurate.
Click Here to Schedule your Test
No Symptoms & Known COVID Exposure
If you are unvaccinated, have a known exposure to COVID-19, and are asymptomatic, you need to quarantine for five days. You can return to work after 5 days and you have been fever free for 24hrs. You will need to wear a mask for 10 days total.
You may want to test for COVID-19 with a rapid antigen test prior to returning to work or being around vulnerable populations. A negtive rapid antigen test at day 5 when asymptomatic would mean you are unlikely to be contagious.
Please keep in mind that PCR tests might give an inaccurate result in the first 3 days after exposure, and a Rapid Antigen test only tells you if you are contagious at the time of the test.
If you are testing in preparation to visit individuals who are elderly or are immunocompromised, please consider additional precautions such as quarantining prior to the visit as well as following both mask and hygiene guidelines.
Click Here to Schedule your Test
No Symptoms & No Known COVID Exposure
If you have no known exposure and no symptoms OR you would like to screen for COVID-19 prior to attending an event, then you may have either a PCR or a Rapid Antigen test. The PCR test usually takes 24 hrs to result but may take longer depending on the demand at the lab. The Rapid Antigen test will provide results on the same day.
Please keep in mind that PCR tests might give an inaccurate result in the first 3 days after exposure, and a Rapid Antigen test only tells you if you are contagious at the time of the test.
If you are testing in preparation to visit individuals who are elderly or are immunocompromised, please consider additional precautions such as quarantining prior to the visit as well as following both mask and hygiene guidelines.