COVID Testing (Rapid Antigen and PCR)
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease has since spread worldwide, leading to an ongoing pandemic.
Symptoms of COVID 19 are variable, but often include fever, cough, headache, fatigue, breathing difficulties, loss of smell, and loss of taste
We at Alpharetta Roswell Family Practice are proud to be on the frontline in fighting against COVID-19.
Though we do not currently carry vaccinations for COVID-19, we do offer multiple test options to confirm COVID-19 status.
Please read the below to understand better which option is required . Also note that documentation is needed for various work/school/travel related purposes. Please contact the source to confirm which type of COVID-19 testing is required.
PCR
Lab-based PCR Testing PCR testing is most effective option to identify whether individual is infected, but takes longer to receive a result
The test comprises of a nasal swab which is placed approximately 1 inch into the nose to collect the specimen.
• Turnaround times generally 24-72 hours
• More sensitive test makes PCR the best option to identify cases early that are in early stage of infection or post infectious phase Antigen Testing Antigen testing is most effective option to quickly identify whether individual is infectious
• Results provided within 15 minutes
• Best option if patient expects contact with high-risk individuals over next 24-48 hours • Lower sensitivity means some cases may not be detected if viral load is low
What do COVID-19 PCR test results mean?
A positive test result means that it's likely that you have an infection with SARS-CoV-2. This could be due to asymptomatic infection, but if you have symptoms, then this infection is called COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and can recover safely at home without medical care. Contact the clinic if your symptoms get worse or if you have questions or concerns.
A negative test result means you probably didn't have an infection with SARS-CoV-2 at the time your specimen was collected. However, it's possible to have COVID-19 but not have the virus detected by the test. For example, this may happen if you recently became infected but you don’t have symptoms yet — or it could happen if you've had COVID-19 for more than a week before being tested.
A negative test doesn’t mean you are safe for any length of time: You can be exposed to COVID-19 after your test, get infected and spread the SARS-Cov-2 virus to others.
If your test is positive, talk with your healthcare provider, stay home and separate yourself from others. If your test is negative, continue to take steps to protect yourself and others from getting COVID-19.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
What's the difference between the PCR and antigen tests for COVID-19?
There are two types of tests for COVID-19: the PCR test and the antigen test.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This tests for the presence of the actual virus’s genetic material or its fragments as it breaks down. PCR is the most reliable and accurate test for detecting active infection. PCR tests typically take hours to perform, but some are faster.
• Antigen test: This detects bits of proteins on the surface of the virus called antigens. Antigen tests typically take only 15 to 30 minutes. Rapid antigen tests are most accurate when used within a few days of the start of your symptoms, which is when the largest amount of virus is present in your body.
Which COVID test is more accurate?
The antigen test is typically faster but is less sensitive than the PCR test. Because the antigen test is not as accurate as PCR, if an antigen test is negative, your healthcare provider could request a PCR test to confirm the negative antigen test result.