Coronavirus Testing

This latest FDA authorization is for an antigen test, which is a new type of diagnostic test designed for rapid detection of the virus that causes COVID-19. One of the main advantages of an antigen test is the speed of the test, which can provide results in minutes. Antigen tests are very specific for the virus, but are not as sensitive as molecular PCR tests. This means that positive results from antigen tests are highly accurate, but there is a higher chance of false negatives, so negative results do not rule out infection. With this in mind, negative results from an antigen test may need to be confirmed with a PCR test prior to making treatment decisions or to prevent the possible spread of the virus due to a false negative.

Did you self-quarantine and now wonder if it’s safe for you to return to work? Did you experience what you thought was a bad cold or thought you had the flu but didn’t test positive? Have you wondered if it was COVID-19?

Diagnostic testing for people experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 can only tell someone if they’re currently infected. The new antibody tests offered at MedFirst Urgent Care, reveals whether someone may have been infected in the past.