COVID-19 Rapid Testing Near Jackson, TN

What is a Rapid COVID-19 Test?

A rapid COVID-19 test is also called an antigen test, and it looks for pieces of protein made by the COVID-19 virus caused by SARS-CoV-2. Like the PCR test, a rapid antigen test involves a nasal swab, but it does not need to go as deep as the PCR test swab. In general, a rapid test is best suited for an individual who is currently experiencing symptoms. Rapid tests also allow public health officials to detect the disease earlier and begin contact testing.

How Are Specimens Collected?

Both the rapid and PCR test requires a nasal swab. A member of our staff will insert the nasal swab into each nostril – one side at a time. Then it is rotated around the inside of the nostril for about 5 seconds.

Who should get a COVID-19 test?

Firstly, anyone who may have symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested. Most people who have had direct contact (within six feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over 24 hours) with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should get tested. People who are fully vaccinated and those who are not fully vaccinated should get a COVID-19 test 4 days after their last direct exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, with or without symptoms. Additionally, the CDC recommends that people who are not fully vaccinated and have had direct contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should quarantine for 10 days. Please remember, if you think you have COVID-19, the rapid test is most accurate when testing is done after the incubation period, which is around four days. Therefore, anyone that has been directly exposed should test four days after the last direct exposure or four days after onset of symptoms, in the case that direct exposure is unknown. With that being said, we highly recommend first self-quarantine, then wait to be tested between days four and seven after direct exposure or onset of symptoms for a rapid COVID-19 antigen test for the most accurate result. If you are past the seven-day mark, then you should contact us for your other options.

 What Is The Incubation Period for COVID-19?

The incubation period represents the number of days between when an individual is first infected with COVID-19 and when the symptoms begin. Health officials use this measurement to determine how long people should quarantine and when to test. Incubation periods for COVID-19 depend on the variant. For instance, the Delta variant is currently the most represented in the United States. It has a shorter incubation period than other forms of COVID-19 – four days. As a comparison, other strains have an incubation period of 5.6 days. Scientists have estimated that individuals infected with the coronavirus can infect others two to three days before symptoms start and are most contagious one to two days before they feel sick. For that reason, it is essential to quarantine as soon as you are aware that you have come into contact with an infected individual. The quarantine period should last 14 days. However, if that period presents a hardship, the CDC advises that you can leave quarantine after 10 days with no symptoms of seven days after receiving a negative test result.

How Long Will It Take to Get My Results? 

At 45 Urgent Care, our rapid COVID-19 antigen test takes 15 minutes for a result. So, we will ask that you stay and wait on your result and be evaluated by our provider. We also offer the PCR test that we send off to our lab, and it takes 3-5 business days to receive your result.

I Tested Positive. What Happens Next?

If you tested positive for COVID-19, you have COVID, and you must quarantine for ten days from the onset of symptoms or the last exposure date if asymptomatic. From there, we fax your positive result to the Jackson Madison Co. Health Department, and they will contact you to get more information on your condition and to do contact tracing to determine who you might have spread the disease to before you got your positive COVID-19 result. We will give you advice on how to handle COVID-19 while you are sick, and our provider will prescribe the appropriate medications based on your condition. Any household members are required to quarantine due to being a “household contact.” Any household members should wait at least 4 days after your confirmed test to allow appropriate time for a more accurate result. If possible, please quarantine from your family as well.

What Does It Mean To Have A Negative Rapid COVID-19 Test?

A negative test result means the proteins of COVID-19 were not present in your body at the time of testing. However, the test may be a false negative if the test was performed before the incubation period. The longer you have symptoms, the amount of antigen in a sample decrease. For that reason, we recommend getting tested earlier in the three-to-seven-day window. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, but your rapid test came back negative, you will be asked to return to our clinic a few days later for retesting, or you can get a PCR test, which will take longer but is more accurate. We perform this test, also.