Immediately testing after coming into contact with COVID-19 is recommended.
In the ongoing battle against COVID-19, understanding the intricacies of testing is crucial. Here's a simplified guide to help you navigate the process.
Firstly, it's essential to know that tests may not always detect all cases of the disease. If you suspect exposure or exhibit symptoms but receive a negative test result, it's a good idea to take multiple tests for a more accurate diagnosis[1].
The two primary types of COVID-19 tests are Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) and antigen tests. NAATs, such as PCR tests, detect viral genetic material and are more reliable[2]. Antigen tests, on the other hand, detect viral proteins and are widely available for at-home use, offering quick results within 15 to 30 minutes[2].
The average incubation period for COVID-19 is between 5 and 7 days[3], so it's recommended to test at least 5 days post-exposure. If symptoms develop before that, testing should be done immediately, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection[2].
If you're symptomatic, test right away. If you're asymptomatic but have been exposed, wait at least 5 days before testing for a more reliable result. Repeat testing may be beneficial, especially if initial test is negative but symptoms develop later or exposure risk remains[1][2][5].
Given the imperfect nature of tests, taking more than one test spaced out by a couple of days can improve detection[1][2]. If you test positive, isolate and can use antigen tests toward the end of isolation to help determine if contagiousness has passed, especially if symptoms are improving[3].
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, retest if you have a negative test result[4]. The average latency period is around 5.5 days[6], so testing immediately upon symptom onset is crucial.
In the United States, it's important to use an FDA-approved test for home self-tests[5]. You can purchase tests online, at local pharmacies, or health centers, or get tested at a doctor's office or medical center[2].
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends testing after exposure to someone with known or suspected COVID-19, regardless of a person's vaccination status[7]. If a healthcare professional performs a NAAT at the point of care, results may be quick, but most swabs are sent to a laboratory for testing, resulting in a 3-day wait[2].
To reduce your risk of transmitting the virus, assume you are positive until you have at least two negative test results[8]. Acquiring the infection is more likely when someone has close contact with another person in a poorly ventilated space for a prolonged period of time[9].
Lastly, if you have concerns about your health, speak with a qualified healthcare professional for more advice[10]. Always call before arriving to ask whether the facility has tests and procedures to follow.
Stay safe and informed!
References: [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). When to Test. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/when-to-get-vaccinated.html [2] Mayo Clinic. (2022). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing: Antibody and antigen tests. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/covid-19-testing/art-20507119 [3] World Health Organization. (2020). Clinical management of severe acute respiratory infection when novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection is suspected. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/clinical-management-of-severe-acute-respiratory-infection-when-novel-coronavirus-(ncov)-infection-is-suspected [4] Food and Drug Administration. (2022). FDA recommends retesting if someone has COVID-19 symptoms and has a negative test result. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-recommends-retesting-someone-has-covid-19-symptoms-and-has-negative-test-result [5] Food and Drug Administration. (2022). FDA updates policy for at-home COVID-19 tests. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-updates-policy-at-home-covid-19-tests [6] Chia, S. L., et al. (2021). Estimating the median incubation period and the basic reproduction number of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) in Singapore. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-29853-y [7] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022). Testing for COVID-19. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/testing/index.html [8] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). If You Test Positive for COVID-19. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine-isolation.html [9] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). How COVID-19 Spreads. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/how-covid-19-spreads.html [10] Mayo Clinic. (2022). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): When to see a doctor. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/covid-19-testing/art-20507119
- In the context of menstruation, thorough health-and-wellness screenings should include the monitoring of hormonal imbalances that could lead to immunodeficiency.
- Scientific research on coronaviruses like SARS and COVID-19 has revealed that testing is essential in early detection and combating these medical-conditions.
- If a woman is diagnosed with an immunodeficiency during menstruation periods, it might be advisable to take extra precautions against potential COVID-19 infections.
- Medical-condition tests for COVID-19 coronavirus should be FDA-approved for accurate and reliable results, even for at-home use.
- Regular screening and multiple tests may be necessary for individuals with certain medical-conditions, such as immunodeficiencies, to ensure their health and wellness.
