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An antigen test checks the presence of a viral antigen (protein), which can help determine if someone has COVID-19 and may spread it to others.

PCR tests, on the other hand, check for genetic material (viral RNA) produced by the virus to determine if someone is currently infected, and are generally better at detecting infections than antigen tests. It is important to note that antigen tests have a lower sensitivity than PCR tests, which may result in a higher false negative rate.

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is the name for the respiratory syndrome caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 is highly contagious. Cases of COVID-19 range from mild to severe. Most people infected with this virus have mild symptoms. Some people who are infected don’t have any symptoms and don’t feel sick but can still transmit the virus to others. More severe cases of COVID-19 have been seen in older adults and those with weakened immune systems or pre-existing health issues. However, serious illness can also occur in younger adults.

The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) spreads easily from person-to-person, even when an infected person is not showing symptoms. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, droplets containing the virus go into the air. These droplets can be inhaled or land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, exposing them to the virus. People may also be exposed to COVID-19 by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth after touching a surface with the virus on it. Although this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, researchers are still learning more about COVID-19.

Symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) include fever, loss of smell, coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, feeling weak or lethargic, chills, muscle pain, lightheadedness or dizziness, headache, vomiting or diarrhea, slurred speech, and/or seizures.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers many resources on COVID-19, including symptoms.

This test may not be helpful if you:

• Currently have severe symptoms that limit your daily activities. Seek medical attention right away if this is the case.
• Have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 3 months. When you test positive, you will not need to be tested again for 3 months, as long as you do not develop new symptoms. For some individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, parts of the virus may continue to be in their samples for up to 3 months, although they may not be contagious during this time.

Test results will confirm whether or not you are infected with COVID-19.

If your results are positive, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately, self-isolate, and monitor your symptoms.

If your results are negative, you were most likely not infected with COVID-19 at the time of sample collection. However, it is important to note that in some cases there is not enough SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the sample to detect the virus. This can happen in a certain percentage of cases during the stages of infection. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation, and to take protective measures to avoid infecting others.

You do not need to do anything to prepare for the test. Further instructions will be provided to you at the testing facility or in your test kit.

COVID-19 Rapid Test: Most results will be available in about 30 minutes.
COVID-19 PCR Test: Most results will be available in about 1-2 days from specimen pickup.

You can get your QuestDirect results through MyQuest, our secure online patient portal. Results are delivered directly to MyQuest on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. You will receive an email notification when your results are ready.

PWNHealth is an independent healthcare provider network that provides oversight services to you in connection with the laboratory testing that you have requested. PWNHealth and its services are independent from the laboratory and company from whom you requested and registered for the test and their services.

If your test results are abnormal, PWNHealth’s Care Coordination Team may attempt to contact you to notify you of your results. You will also have an opportunity to schedule a telehealth consult with an independent licensed physician or other healthcare provider from PWNHealth, who can answer any questions you may have about your test results and help determine next steps.