Coronavirus Antibody Testing in Cedar Grove, NJ
COVID-19 antibody (serology) testing is available at AFC Urgent Care. Known as SARS-CoV-2 AB, antibody testing is performed via a blood draw with results typically available within two to three days. The FDA has not approved antibody testing, but has provided an Emergency Use Authorization. Antibody testing is covered by most health insurance plans.
Who Is Eligible For Antibody Testing?
Patients aged 8 years or older who have been asymptomatic for at least seven days are eligible for antibody testing. The symptoms which must have dissipated include fever, cough, and body aches. If you are still exhibiting symptoms, we ask that you visit us for COVID-19 diagnostic PCR testing.
What Is The Difference Between Antibody Testing And PCR Testing?
PCR testing, performed with a nasal swab, is used to detect the active COVID-19 virus so as to diagnose infection. Antibody testing, performed with a blood test, may detect whether antibodies have been formed two weeks after initial exposure. Antibody testing cannot be performed on patients with an active COVID-19 infection.
What Can I Expect When I Go To AFC Urgent Care For Testing?
We ask that you wear a mask when coming to our center for testing. Depending on the number of patients in our waiting room, we may ask that you wait in your car in order to practice social distancing. Following your encounter with one of our medical providers, antibody testing will be performed with a Routine blood draw that is sent to an outside lab for processing. When we receive your lab results, our clinical staff will promptly call to inform you of your results.
What Could My Results Mean?
Antibody testing may help patients identify whether they were previously exposed to COVID-19; and, if exposed, such testing may help identify whether their immune systems have produced antibodies.
- Positive Antibody Test Results may indicate that you have been exposed to a coronavirus, likely COVID-19.
- Negative Antibody Test Results may indicate that you have not been exposed to a coronavirus, or that you have been exposed within the recent past and have not yet had time to develop an immune response.
For more information on how antibody test results are being interpreted, please visit the CDC website. Regardless of your results, it is important to make sure you follow local and federal guidelines to maintain your health and safety, as well as the safety of others. Current regulations are available on the state health department website.
Testing for Uninsured Patients
AFC Urgent Care is now able to perform no-cost testing for uninsured patients by participating in the Federal government program to ensure that cost is not an obstacle to PCR and antibody testing for COVID-19. We are able to see uninsured patients for COVID-19 matters without any out-of-pocket expense. Patients will only need to provide our center with a driver’s license, state ID card or social security number and state of residence and sign an attestation of no insurance to complete the registration process for testing.
