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.
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 who exhibit typical COVID-19 symptoms, such as coughing, fever, and shortness of breath, must arrange a telemedicine appointment. This is due to the fact that COVID-19 shares symptoms with common respiratory illnesses like the flu and other common.
- Your primary risk factors for COVID-19 will be determined by a provider from Instant Urgent Care based on contact with people who have a confirmed case, your current symptoms, chronic disease risks, international travel, or residence in a local COVID-19 hotspot.
- Instant Urgent Care in Berkeley, Dublin, Santa Clara, Palo Alto, San Ramon, Sunnyvale, San Jose, and other locations across California patients can then review the subsequent steps for COVID-19 testing.
COVID-19 Antibody Testing and Coronavirus safety procedures
- On the day of your exam, the staff at Instant Urgent Care will review your risks and, if necessary, take safety precautions like speciality isolation in an examination room. Our staff also follows physical separation rules, regularly disinfects waiting areas and exam rooms, and prioritizes high-risk patients.
- The medical professionals at Instant Urgent Care collect a blood sample for analysis and send it to a lab.
- The results of your test will then be communicated to you by our provider team.
While you wait for your COVID-19 test results
Patients need to continue to self-quarantine and maintain social distancing policies. Other ways to stay safe as you wait for your lab results are as follows, per the CDPH:
- 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.
Important: Before you can get tested for COVID-19 at Instant Urgent Care, you need to schedule a telemedicine visit.