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.

How accurate is PCR testing?

Our standard RT-PCRs are processed in CLIA certified, CAP accredited laboratories. These laboraties utilize COVID-19 assays with a minimum of 99% specificity and sensitivity for nasal swabs. Saliva tests are a minimum of 97% sensitivity and 98% specificity. We also offer Express RT-PCR testing using the Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-COV-2 assay and the Accula Sars-COV-2 assay. The Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-COV-2 assay is quoted at 98.3% sensivity and 99% specificity. The Accula Sars-COV-2 assay sensivity is between 97-98% (depending on the study) and the specificity is quoted at 100%.

What is a rapid antigen 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 antigen 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 antigen 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.

Can I submit a claim to insurance for the cost of my test?

Absolutely! 1-day following your test, you will receive an itemized receipt you may submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement in accordance with your out-of-network coverage.

What is a spike protein antibody test?

This test is designed to identify antibodies that are created in response to vaccination against the COVID-19 virus. It can also detect natural antibodies created in response to a COVID-19 infection.

This test will require a blood draw that will be administered by a medical professional who is trained in phlebotomy.

What information will I receive from my antibody test?

Our antibody tests include both a COVID-19 Immune Response Panel and a COVID-19 Vaccine Response Screen.

The immune response panel will inform you whether or not you have had COVID-19 and if so, the quantity of natural antibodies your body has created.

The Vaccine Response Screen will quantify the effectiveness of your body's immune response to the inoculation and inform you whether your body has produced a successful antibody response.

How accurate is the spike protein antibody test?

The combination of the two panels have > 99% sensitivity and specificity 15 days after COVID-19 exposure.

Each test is performed using a Roche enzyme-amplified chemiluminescence platform (CLA) to detect even exceptionally small amounts of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The CLA technique features higher sensitivity than conventional ELISA or rapid lateral flow tests.

These tests are FDA authorized under an EUA.

How long after my vaccine should I wait to check my antibodies?

It is recommended to wait at least two weeks after you are fully vaccinated.

Should I discuss my spike protein antibody results with my doctor?

Yes. We recommend that antibody test results are discussed with your primary care physician.

Do I need a COVID-19 diagnostic test prior to my antibody test?

As antibody tests are performed in-office and to protect our staff and others, unvaccinated persons will be provided a rapid COVID-19 test prior to the administration of their antibody test.

When will my results be received?

For express PCR testing, you will receive a call from a staff member within approximately 1-2 hours from the time you took your test. Shortly thereafter, you will a text message indicating that your report is available to download and/or view. For standard PCR testing (including saliva and nasal swabs), results are generally received by end of the next day. We do not guarantee results in a certain timeframe but provide estimated timeframes. If you do not receive your test results within 2 days of taking the test please email info@everpointhealth.com and we would be glad to assist you. For rapid antigen testing, you will receive a call from a staff member within approximately 1 hour from the time you took your test. If you require a hard copy, kindly let a team member know during this call and we would be glad to assist you. For spike protein antibody testing, you will receive a call and an emailed report within approximately 2-5 days of taking your antibody test.

How will I receive my results?

For Express PCR Tests and Rapid Antigen Tests:

What happens if I have trouble accessing my results?

If you have any trouble, please e-mail info@everpointhealth.com with the patient’s full name, date of birth and phone number and we will gladly assist you.

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.

What are the quarantine requirements?

Please carefully review the quarantine requirements issued by the state of Connecticut as well as the CDC guidelines with respect to quarantining. Visit the following https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/travel

Who do I contact with further questions?

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@everpointhealth.com.

Does Everpoint Health offer onsite or at-home testing?

Yes! Please contact us at events@everpointhealth.com to learn more about our onsite and at home testing programs.

Does Everpoint Health offer rapid or PCR testing for events?

Absolutely! Please contact events@everpointhealth.com for more information.

Do you offer discounts?

Yes! We offer discounts for groups of 4 or more bookings on the same day. Contact us for more information!