Covid-19 Testing: A Primer

Welcome to the new Weston EMS forum, Stop the Spread, providing timely information on health and safety. We are committed to helping Weston residents navigate these unprecedented times.

Although the vaccine is well within reach, with the FDA meeting shortly to discuss approval, people outside of the prioritized populations will not get access to the vaccine until sometime in the spring of 2021.

In the meantime, don’t be a bystander. Educate yourself about everything you can do to help your family stay safe. And on top of your list might be Covid-19 tests.

Although the most common question today if you or one of your family members is not feeling well is, “Where can I go to get tested?,” there is much more information you need to know before venturing out. And that first question might be, “What kind of test should I get?” Educate yourself now. Don’t wait until you’re in crisis mode.

With the current explosive uptick in coronavirus cases and the concern of further spread after the Thanksgiving holiday it’s more important than ever to understand why to get tested, when to get tested, how to get tested, and where to get tested. Here’s a primer for you with some guidelines from the FDA.

Some things you need to know about Covid-19 testing

• What types of Covid-19 tests are available? Which one is for me?
• Do I need a referral from my doctor?
• Where should I go to get tested?
• How long will it take to get my test results?

Despite warnings to stay home and celebrate to help stop the spread, many people did not heed warnings and traveled near and far to gather for the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. In an effort to feel “safer” people have been flocking to get tested so they can feel reassured in small and larger gatherings. “Covid fatigue” has set in.

But, the lack of information and understanding of testing results can give people a sense false comfort.

A negative test is not a free pass

Just because you tested negative one day does not mean you will test negative the next time.

It’s still critical to continue to observe the basic rules to help Stop The Spread—wearing a mask when you go out, social distance, sanitize and stay home as much as possible.

Weston residents are being encouraged to get tested even if you are asymptomatic to help Stop The Spread.

If you’re not feeling well, and have symptoms known to be associated with Covid-19, have been in contact with someone who has tested positive or have traveled outside Connecticut to a quarantined state and want to get a test, you should contact your health care provider or the Westport Weston Health District.

For more detailed information on where to get tested and additional questions about insurance and quarantining, visit portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/Covid-19-Knowledge-Base/COVID-19-Testing.

Some testing centers require a referral. You can visit these centers online to make an appointment. Once you get there, you may have to wait. Waiting times vary.

Understanding the types of diagnostic tests

There are two types of diagnostic tests for Covid-19: the RT-PCR and the antigen test.

Molecular tests, such as RT-PCR tests (polymerase chain reaction), diagnose a COVID-19 infection based on detection of the virus’s genetic material in a sample from your nose or throat.

These molecular tests are considered to be the most reliable because of their accuracy in detecting an active infection. The test is highly sensitive and looks for the virus’s genetic material.

Antigen tests detect the presence of specific coronavirus proteins (viral antigens) on the surface of the virus. These tests are often known as the rapid test and are done by collecting a sample by nasal swab. If an antigen test shows a negative result, indicating that you do not have an active corona virus infection, your health care provider may order a molecular test to confirm the result, particularly if you are symptomatic.

Antigen tests usually provide results faster than molecular tests, but have a higher chance of missing an active infection. One FDA approved antigen test, called the Sofia, is an exception in that it has proven to have a higher accuracy rate and bears similar results to the nucleic PCR tests.

Should I get an antibody (serology) test?

Antibody tests look for antibodies that are made by your immune system. Antibodies fight infections but can take several days or weeks to develop enough to be detected by a test. Although they may stay in your blood for several weeks or more after recovery, they do not insure that you are immune in the future.

Antibody (serology) tests may provide quick results, but should not be used to diagnose an active infection. Antibody tests only detect antibodies the immune system develops in response to the virus, not the virus itself.

Note: The FDA cautions patients against using the results from any serology test as an indication that they can stop taking steps to protect themselves and others, such as stopping social distancing or discontinuing wearing masks. No test is 100% accurate all of the time.

Please…

…continue to wear a mask, sanitize, social distance, and help us protect our community.

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