COVID-19 Antibody Testing
Covid- 19 Testing / COVID-19 Antibody Testing
Instant Urgent Care locations provide COVID-19 Antibody Testing for pre-screened patients.
See if you are immune and ready to return to normal activities.
Telemedicine pre-screening required before COVID-19 Antibody Testing
At Instant Urgent Care, our provider team continues to improve your needs for COVID-19 testing and preventive care services that keep you safe during the pandemic. In addition to standard COVID-19 testing, our team can also provide antibody testing that helps detect a patient’s potential immunity. Antibody testing is useful for asymptomatic patients to see if they had COVID-19 and developed a natural immunity to the virus. Additionally, antibody testing is useful for patients that are almost ready to return to work. Simply book a pre-screening with a provider to see if you have any risk of a potential infection.
Below, we’ve broke down the two types of testing available at Instant Urgent Care to help you determine which testing is right for you.
COVID-19 Antibody Testing
Antibody testing is completed by using a blood sample to analyze a patient for antibodies from a previous COVID-19 infection. Antibodies help providers indicate if a patient had COVID-19 previously and developed resistance to the virus. An antibody test is useful for patients that didn’t develop symptoms, potentially came into contact with an infected patient, and are reasonably healthy.
COVID-19 Swab Testing
Swab testing is done by collecting a sample from the patient through a cotton swab inserted into the nasal passages or throat. The swab test for COVID-19 is useful for patients that are symptomatic, had contact with someone with a known COVID-19 infection, and traveled within the last two weeks. Swab testing helps patients determine if they have an active infection while antibody testing detects a previous infection of COVID-19.
How COVID-19 Antibody Testing Works at Instant Urgent Care
The current policies at Instant Urgent Care are in line with the California Department of Public Health procedures for COVID-19 testing. Pre-screenings, telemedicine consults, and specialized physical visit policies help to ensure we are providing COVID-19 tests that are also safe and limit the spread of infection.
Evaluate symptoms and telemedicine pre-screenings
- Patients that have common COVID-19 symptoms including cough, fever, and shortness of breath need to schedule a visit through telemedicine. This is because COVID-19 has similar symptoms to common respiratory conditions like the flu and common.
- A provider from Instant Urgent Care will determine your main risk factors for COVID-19 based on contact with individuals that have a confirmed case, your current symptoms, chronic disease risks, international travel, or residency within a local hotspot of the virus.
- Patients will then review next steps for COVID-19 testing at Instant Urgent Care locations in Berkeley, Dublin, Santa Clara, Palo Alto, San Ramon, Sunnyvale, and San Jose.
COVID-19 Testing and Coronavirus safety procedures
- On the day & time of your test, Instant Urgent Care providers will review your risks and initiate safety procedures such as speciality isolation in an exam room if necessary. Additionally, our staff incorporates physical distancing policies, frequent disinfection within waiting rooms and exam rooms, and triage for high risk patients.
- Instant Urgent Care doctors and medical staff take a swab for testing.
- When you results are ready, our team will publish them to your online patient portal from where you can download a pdf copy.
While you wait for your COVID-19 test results
- Washing hands with soap and water frequently. Scrub for at least a minute to effectively reduce bacteria and germs.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily with proper cleaning supplies.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow. Avoid using your hands and touching your face frequently after a sneeze, cough, or after eating. The virus can spread quickly from a patient’s hands to other individuals.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick. Make sure to also avoid others that are vulnerable for dangerous symptoms such as people with autoimmune issues, individuals with advanced age (60+), and those with chronic diseases like asthma.
- Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
- If you smoke or vape, consider quitting. Smokers who already have lung disease or reduced lung capacity could be at increased risk of serious illness.
Urgent Care Locations for COVID-19 Testing:
Frequently Asked Questions
Find your answers to the questions and helpful information about our COVID-19 Antibody Testing services. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to call us.
1. What is COVID-19 antibody testing, and how does it work?
COVID-19 antibody testing detects the presence of antibodies in the blood, which indicates whether a person has been previously infected with the virus. It does not diagnose current infections. The test is usually conducted through a blood sample, and results can help determine past exposure to the virus.
2. When should I consider getting a COVID-19 antibody test?
If you suspect you had COVID-19 in the past or want to confirm previous exposure, consider getting an antibody test a few weeks after your symptoms have resolved. It’s not recommended for diagnosing current infections; for that, a PCR or rapid antigen test is more appropriate.
3. Can a positive antibody test guarantee immunity from COVID-19?
While a positive antibody test suggests past infection, it doesn’t guarantee immunity. Research is ongoing to understand the level and duration of immunity. It’s essential to continue following public health guidelines, even if you have antibodies.
4. How long does it take to receive results from a COVID-19 antibody test?
The turnaround time for results can vary, but many labs provide results within a few days. Rapid antibody tests may provide results in as little as 15-30 minutes. Check with the testing facility for specific information on result timelines.
5. Is a COVID-19 antibody test the same as a diagnostic test for current infection?
No, antibody tests and diagnostic tests (like PCR or rapid antigen tests) serve different purposes. Antibody tests show past infection, while diagnostic tests detect current infection. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have been exposed recently, a diagnostic test is more appropriate.