patient portal covid 19 results

How long does it take before I get my results for the COVID-19 antibody test?

COVID-19 antibody test results may be ready the same day as your test at some sites. Other places may have to send test samples out to a lab for analysis, so results may not be available for a few days.

Are the COVID-19 PCR tests accurate?

PCR tests are very accurate when properly performed by a health care professional, but the rapid test can miss some cases.

What could a faint line on a COVID-19 test mean?

A faint line also can mean the tester didnt swab well enough to provide a good test sample. A brighter line indicates the patient has more virus in their body and is likely to be sicker and more infectious.

Why PCR is better than the rapid COVID-19 test?

“PCR tests are more reliable and accurate due to testing the specific genetic material of the virus, eliminating the interference from other viruses,” said Heather Seyko, a Laboratory Services manager for OSF HealthCare.

Can a COVID-19 RT-PCR test be falsely negative?

RT-PCR tests are not perfect, Alland said. “After the first week of infection, there is a decline in virus shedding in the respiratory tract, where tests can become falsely negative,” he said.

Is it possible to get a false positive test result for COVID-19?

It's possible to have a positive test result even if you never had any symptoms of COVID-19 . False-positive test results can occur. It may be that the test detected antibodies to a coronavirus closely related to the COVID-19 virus or that the test quality was flawed.

What does a false-positive COVID-19 antigen test result mean?

A false-positive antigen test result means that the test says the person has COVID-19 but they are actually do not have COVID-19.

What can cause a false positive COVID-19 rapid antigen test?

The investigators also point out that false-positives are possible due to administering the test too early or late in the infectious stage, or from incorrectly performing the self-test.

Which COVID-19 tests are more accurate PCR or antigen tests?

PCR tests are more accurate than antigen tests. "PCR tests are the gold standard for detecting SARS-CoV-2," says Dr. Broadhurst. "It is the most accurate testing modality that we have.

Can a PCR test detect the COVID-19 Omicron variant?

The good news is that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), PCR and rapid antigen tests can still detect Omicron as well as previous variants.

What is the most accurate diagnostic test to detect COVID-19?

Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based diagnostic tests (which detect viral nucleic acids) are considered the gold standard for detecting current SARS-CoV-2 infection.

What if a COVID-19 antigen test is negative, but a PCR test positive?

Some people with mild infections may test negative on an antigen test, but positive on a PCR test. This would mean that they have COVID, but don't have enough virus to turn an antigen test positive.