Lab Tabloid - 2021 - 2

Covid Testing
COVID-19 TESTING
An Explanation of COVID-19 Testing
There are three tests for COVID-19: PCR, Antigen, and Antibody.2
Each test is independently valuable; key differences are what they test for, and when they are used.3
MOLECULAR TEST
(early stage of infection)
* Identifies the virus before and during early
onset of symptoms (days 1-7); however,
accuracy falls after the first 7-10 days
* Test is often performed with a
nasopharyngeal swab
* Often requires an offsite lab or an
expensive piece of equipment; timing
varies by manufacturer
RAPID ANTIGEN TEST
(early to mid-stages of infection)
* Identifies the virus after symptoms
have started (or should have started, if
asymptomatic) between days 5-10, but
declines in sensitivity after around 2 weeks
* Test is often performed with a
nasopharyngeal swab
* Simple to use at the point of care
RAPID ANTIBODY TEST
(blood/serology) pinprick test (mid-to-late states of infection)
* Can be administered as early as 5 days after symptoms
have developed (around days 10-15), and thereafter, in
an appropriately authorized point-of-care setting
* Tests for two types of antibodies produced to fight
off the virus: IgM (produced early, and goes away) and
IgG (produced later, and is generally long-lasting)
* Most of the tests are authorized for use on venous
blood, serum, or plasma, and can be performed
by CLIA labs that meet requirements to perform
moderate or high complexity tests. Some are
authorized for use with fingerstick blood and
can be performed by a healthcare worker in an
appropriately authorized point-of-care setting.
Tests typically deliver results in 10-15 minutes.
2.Video for more information on testing: (https://henryschein.wistia.com/medias/bns18twg9i) 3.Two key terms to know for testing: " sensitivity " (can you detect); " specificity " (can you detect the 'right' virus).
COVID-19 Testing At-A-Glance
Molecular (Nasal)
Molecular test
Typically analyzes a sample taken
via swab from deep inside the nose
or the back of the throat
Taken at the early stages of
infection
Very accurate
Antigen (Nasal)
Identifies the virus after symptoms
have started (or should have started,
if the patient is asymptomatic)
Taken between days 5-10 for
best results
Testing Options Available from:
Typically performed with a
nasopharyngeal swab
Often works in a point-of-care
setting or at home
Can tell whether a person currently
has the virus present, but not
whether a resolved patient
previously had the condition
Requires special equipment
Typically requires a lab
Antibody (Serology/Blood)
Performed in an appropriately authorized point-of-care setting
Identifies antibodies in blood drawn from a finger stick by a
healthcare worker
Can be administered as early as 5 days after symptoms develop
This type of serology testing,
when combined with other patient
information, can help providers
determine if a patient can proceed
with normal, daily life
10-15
minutes
Disclaimer:
These tests are not cleared or approved; they are authorized by FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization, unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.
henryschein.com/medical
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RESULTS
https://henryschein.wistia.com/medias/bns18twg9i http://www.henryschein.com/medical
Lab Tabloid - 2021

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