Are you experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or have you recently been exposed to someone with the virus? If so, you should get tested today. At State Urgent Care, we offer comprehensive and accurate PCR testing for COVID-19 every day with no appointment necessary and encourage you to just walk in today.
Don’t delay results; get tested sooner.
What is COVID-19, and how is it detected?
COVID-19, or coronavirus, is a highly infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is easily transmitted from person to person by small liquid particles from the mouth or nose when someone talks, coughs, sneezes, sings or breathes. It can be transmitted by a person touching an item that the virus has infected in rare cases.
COVID-19 can be detected in two ways during active infection: a PCR test and a rapid test.
What is a PCR test?
A PCR test is also known as a molecular test. It detects the presence of molecular material from the COVID-19 virus. This test is performed using a nasal swab inserted and rotated into one or both nostrils for sample collection.
After the patient-testing portion is completed, your nasal swab is analyzed in a laboratory to determine whether COVID-19 molecular material is present in your system.
PCR tests are considered the gold standard in COVID-19 testing as results are nearly 100% accurate.
How long do PCR test results take?
Although PCR testing is not rapid, results are rendered rather quickly.
In most instances, patients receive the results of their PCR tests between 3 and 5 days after testing. Some are provided in as little as 24 hours. The timeline for results is based on the laboratory’s overall schedule, including instances where there is an influx in COVID-19 testing or cases. Results will never take longer than a week.
Who should get a PCR test?
We recommend that you get tested if you have been directly exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with the virus.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
COVID-19 symptoms range from mild to severe. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Loss of taste and smell
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle and body aches
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Sore throat
If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, don’t delay; get tested today. If you test positive, you need to quarantine for 10 days from the onset of symptoms or the positive test result and remain in quarantine for at least 24 hours since your last fever.
At State Urgent Care, we offer PCR testing 7 days a week. Walk in, schedule an appointment online, or contact us today for more information on COVID-19 testing.