COVID-19 TESTING
What will my COVID-19 test tell me?
This test confirms whether or not you are currently infected with COVID-19. If your results are positive, it is important to isolate immediately and continue to monitor your symptoms. If your results are negative, it means the virus was not present in the sample you provided. After receiving your results, you will have an opportunity to speak with a healthcare provider who can answer any questions you may have about your test results and help determine next steps.
What is a PCR test?
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique used to amplify small segments of DNA. PCR testing is the “gold standard” the gold standard for detecting COVID-19 infections in the earliest stage. Your COVID-19 diagnostic test will be processed a CLIA certified, CAP accredited laboratory.
How accurate is PCR testing?
The laboratory we employ uses the same primer and probe sequences developed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to perform nucleic acid amplification (NAA) and detection of COVID-19. The COVID-19 assay demonstrates over 99% specificity and sensitivity.
What is a "rapid" test?
Rapid antigen tests look for signs that a person has protein segments, or antigens for SARS-CoV-2. While results are available within minutes, these tests are less sensitive (and accurate) than a PCR test. The test we utilize is the Sofia 2 by Quidel, a manufacturer of diagnostic tests. The Sofia 2 SARS Antigen FIA is a rapid point-of-care test for the detection of COVID-19. This test received Emergency UseAuthorization (EUA) from the FDA and provides results in 15 minutes.
How accurate is rapid testing?
How accurate is the rapid test?
The sensitivity of the Quidel Sofia 2 antigen rapid test is 96.7% within 5 days of the onset of symptoms.
The specificity of the test is 99-100%.
Which test is right for me?
For asymptomatic individuals who wish to be screened for COVID-19, we recommend testing with a PCR test. This test is the most sensitive and able to detect COVID-19 in its earliest stage. We do not recommend screening with the rapid test alone.
For symptomatic or exposed individuals, we recommend that negative rapid test results are followed up with a PCR test.
Do I need a doctor’s order to receive a test?
No, you do not need an outside doctor order. We are partnered with medical professionals who will provide the order for you upon completion of our patient sign-up
form which is available online at
www.everpointhealth.com/signup.
RESULTS & TIMING
When will my results be received?
For PCR Testing: On average, you will receive your test result 1-3 days after the day it was administered. We do not guarantee results in a certain timeframe but provide estimated timeframes.
For Rapid Testing: You will receive a call from a staff member within approximately 1-2 hours from the time you took your test.
How will I receive my PCR results?
For Nasal Swab Tests:
You will receive an email from CareEvolve, the reporting platform for the Broad Institute, the laboratory who will process your sample. Test results will be emailed to the patient email provided on your intake form directly from the laboratory. One unique email is required per patient (you may not use the same email for multiple patients due to HIPAA regulations).
The email will prompt you to register for an account and you will be able to access your results and download or print your report.
Important Note: PCR results are provided directly from the laboratory. Everpoint Health does not report PCR results. If you do not receive your PCR results via email within 3 days from the day the test was administered, please contact us for assistance. We will not know if you do not receive your results unless we hear from you.
For Saliva Tests:
You will receive results via text message from the below number: 735-29.
Click the link and enter your name and birth date in the fields presented.
Once logged in, you will be able to view your test results.
*If you do not receive a text, you can visit the GENETWORx patient portal at patients.genetworx.com to receive your results.
Important Note: PCR results are provided directly from the laboratory. Everpoint Health does not report PCR results. If you do not receive your PCR results via email within 4 days from the day the test was administered, please contact us for assistance. We will not know if you do not receive your results unless we hear from you.
What happens if I accidentally delete the text or have trouble accessing my results?
If you have any trouble, please e-mail
info@everpointhealth.com with the patient’s full name, phone number and we will gladly assist you.
EXPLANATION OF RESULTS
What happens if I have a positive test result for COVID-19?
You should immediately isolate and wear a face mask at all times and monitor your symptoms. You may be contacted by public health authorities for contact tracing
purposes. This means that officials will ask you to provide information about your immediate household contacts and anyone else you may have been in contact with in case those people should be tested for COVID-19 and self-isolate as well. We recommend you speak with your healthcare provider regarding your next steps and follow federal,state, and local government guidance regarding individuals who receive a positive result.
What is a false positive COVID-19 PCR test result?
No test is 100% accurate . The test can sometimes show a negative result even if you are infected with COVID-19. This can happen if it is too soon for the test to detect the virus or if there was a problem with your sample or the test itself. If your results are negative and you’re having symptoms, continue to follow isolation precautions and ask your physician if you need further testing. If your results are negative and you don’t have any symptoms but have had exposure to COVID-19, continue to monitor for any symptoms up to 14 days after your last possible exposure and follow federal, state, and local government guidance for individuals exposed to COVID-19.
What is a false negative COVID-19 PCR test result?
No test is 100% accurate . The test can sometimes show a negative result even if you are infected with COVID-19. This can happen if it is too soon for the test to detect the virus or if there was a problem with your sample or the test itself.
If your results are negative and you’re having symptoms, continue to follow isolation precautions and ask your physician if you need further testing. If your results are negative and you don’t have any symptoms but have had exposure to COVID-19, continue to monitor for any symptoms up to 14 days after your last possible exposure.
What does an invalid COVID-19 test result mean?
While rare, this means that for some reason or another the test did not detect a clear positive or negative result. It was unable to accurately detect COVID-19 if it was run, or, in some cases, the test may not have been run due to other errors. Your test needs to be repeated.
HOW TO QUARANTINE
CONTACT US
Who do I contact with further questions?
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@everpointhealth.com.
