Due to the spread of the COVID-19 viral pandemic, the year 2020 has been some one of the most difficult in recent history. From financial hardships, to the health and wellness of people across the world, as well as the overall level of uncertainty, fear has spread amongst society and made life that much harder. However, due to new testing procedures and an increased understanding of the virus itself, things seem to be getting better, slowly but surely.

Regardless, in order to tame the virus, and help society gain back any semblance of normalcy, it is vital that all citizens across the US are tested for the virus as soon as possible. And at Citiwide Mobile Testing, we are proud to offer patients two specific methods of testing – viral testing and antibody testing. Both of these tests are very important, as researchers now understand that many individuals, despite being asymptomatic and not getting too sick themselves, may still be carrying the virus and are able to pass it on to others.

Viral TestingAs with any other viral testing protocol, this test will be able to tell individuals if they are currently infected by the virus or not. Viral tests check samples from your respiratory system, such as a swab from the inside of your nose, to tell you if you currently have an infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Some tests are point-of-care tests, meaning results may be available at the testing site in less than an hour. Other tests must be sent to a laboratory to analyze, a process that takes 1–2 days once received by the lab.

• If You Test Positive

  In the event you test positive for COVID-19, it is important that you take steps to quarantine yourself from others, so as to prevent the further spread of the virus. In addition, you should also do disinfect your home and living space as best you can. For most patients symptoms are relatively mild so they are likely able to recover at home without the need for a trip to the hospital. The Citiwide team will provide you with some important tips and further information you need to know in order to properly care for yourself.

• If You Test Negative

  This means that you were not infected with the coronavirus at the time in which your sample was collected. However, this does not mean that you cannot get sick in the future, so its important that you continue to take all the safety precautions possible (ie. wearing a mask in public, practicing social distancing, etc.). Also, if you begin to feel symptoms at a later date, it may be important to have another test performed at that time.

Antibody Testing Unlike Viral Testing, the antibody test might not be able to tell you if you are currently carrying the virus, however, it will tell you if have had a past infection. This is also quite important as anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks after an infection, the human body will begin to create antibodies for a virus. As is the case with most viral infections, if an individual has had a prior infection, and the body has created antibodies, then they are highly unlikely to be susceptible to any future infections. Essentially, this can tell you if you are immune to the current corona virus.

• If You Test Positive

  A positive test result shows that your body has developed antibodies from a prior infection – and you are most likely no longer susceptible to infection. However, there is a chance that these antibodies may be from another form the virus, a different strain of the corona virus. Therefore, you should still continue to take precautions, avoid large crowds, be sure to wear a mask in public, and practice social distancing.

• If You Test Negative

  A negative antibody test will generally mean two possibilities – the first being that you have never been infected, and that you should continue to protect yourself against infection. The second possibility would be that you are suffering from a current infection or have just gotten over an infection, as it generally takes the body 1 to 3 weeks in order to fully produce antibodies.

The fact is that living in such uncertain times it is vital that we all work together and follow any and all safety precautions possible to contain the spread of the virus. The more we contain the virus, and allow it to run its course, without infecting others, the sooner we can all return to our normal lives. At Citiwide Mobile Testing we recommend that patients have both tests done, in order to get the most information possible in regards to their current status. If you are interested in taking one or both forms of COVID-19 testing, be sure to contact Citiwide Mobile Testing today.