Answers from the COVID-Solutions Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How is COVID-19 diagnosed?

In the United States, diagnostic testing for COVID-19 involves testing for the presence of the virus in specimens obtained from patients. Almost all diagnostic testing for COVID-19 is done using PCR-based methods, which look for the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. These methods can only diagnose someone with COVID-19 if they are actively infected. Currently, most diagnostic tests for COVID-19 test nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal specimens (nose or throat swabs). Recently, the FDA granted Emergency Use Authorization to a laboratory to test patients’ saliva.

Where are the Testing Locations?

COVID-Solutions can test at your place of business or any location that you prefer. We also can test at our medical facility located in Bethel Park. We can test any city in 48 states.

What are limitations to COVID-19 diagnostic tests?

With any diagnostic test, there is the potential for false negatives or false positives. For existing COVID-19 tests in the U.S., there have been reports of false negative tests in some patients. False negative tests can occur if a specimen was not properly obtained or if a patient was tested too early or too late in their infection. Laboratory error is also a possible cause of false negative test results. Conversely, false positive reports are less common.

Who should be tested for COVID-19?

Individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 should be tested for the SARS-CoV-2 virus with a Molecular PCR test so that they will know to isolate themselves from others so as not to spread the disease. In certain cases, such as outbreak investigation, and screenings the testing of people without symptoms is also indicated. However, current limitations in testing capacity have restricted who may be tested for COVID-19. Recommendations regarding who should and can be tested differ by state. Some states that have experienced large numbers of COVID-19 cases have requested that individuals who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 assume that they are positive and avoid health facilities unless they experience severe symptoms. 45% of all Covid-19 cases are asymptomatic at the beginning up to 14 days. Serology testing the quickest and cheapest route for testing large groups of people.

Who can be tested?

In the guidelines of asymptomatic individuals declared by the FDA, any employee of a Business, Volunteer, or Member of a Group or Student of a School may be tested.

Is the testing Safe?

The CLIA Certified Lab that conducts the tests, follow all CDC guidelines in order to keep everyone safe. Instructions will be given to participants prior to testing and at the time of the test.

Is the testing HIPPA compliant?

COVID-Solutions is current on all HIPPA regulations and new addendums. We take strict measures to ensure the privacy of individuals who are being tested. Employers, Schools and Organizations are given strict instructions on how to handle the process before, during, and after testing takes place.

https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/hipaa-covid19/index.html

If serology/antibody test is not used for diagnosis or exclusion of COVID-19 infection, what is its purpose?

Serology tests that are specifically designed to look for antibodies against the COVID-19 virus can play a critical role in several ways. The presence of antibodies can confirm that an individual immune system has been exposed to the COVID-19 virus and depending on the combination of the result of the IgM and IgG antibodies can inform healthcare professionals of the infectivity risk to others. In addition, these test results can aid in determining who may be eligible for convalescence plasma donation to be used as investigational treatment for those seriously ill from COVID-19. Longer term, as more clinical information becomes available, these serology test results may be used to help determine susceptibility to future infections.

What are serology tests and how are they used?

Serology tests are blood-based tests that can be used to identify whether people have been exposed to a particular pathogen by looking at their antibodies, or specific proteins produced by the body in response to an infection. Serology tests can be helpful in determining whether someone is still contagious IgM and was infected in the past IgG with the coronavirus, whether or not they ever developed symptoms of the disease.

In contrast, the PCR tests currently being used to diagnose active cases of COVID-19 can only indicate the presence of viral genetic material during the period of active infection and do not indicate if a person is still infected and subsequently recovered.

How long does it take to get test results?

Timely test results are important to inform clinical care and to support public health measures to control COVID-19. The sooner patients receive test results, the sooner infected individuals can be isolated, before they transmit their infection to others. And, the contacts of infected individuals can be traced and monitored so that they, too, can take preventive measures to avoid spreading the disease.

Currently, the time it takes to get testing results in the U.S. can vary based on several factors.

COVID Solution can results of Molecular PCR Testing within 48-72 hours

Serology/ Antibody Testing in 10 minutes

Different testing technologies produce results in different time frames. For example, some testing machines promise results in <30 minutes, whereas some laboratory methods can take hours. If a health facility has to send a test out to a separate laboratory, it can take additional time due to transit and backlogs up to 7-10 days. It may also take additional time to relay the test result to the healthcare provider and patient. Across the U.S., delays in testing due to shortages of testing supplies have been reported.

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