SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Testing

RDx is offering COVID-19 antibody testing and a multiple laboratory test for the detection of COVID-19 during acute phase of infection.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. They infect the respiratory system. Common signs of infection include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, an infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. The 2019 Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a new strain of coronavirus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently broadened the guidelines for coronavirus testing. Anyone who has symptoms like a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing can receive a test if a doctor agrees. Doctors are encouraged first to rule out other causes of respiratory illness, like influenza, and to take into consideration whether there are other local coronavirus cases.

The SARS-CoV-2 RNA assay is a test intended for detection of COVID-19 during the acute phase of infection and is generally detectable in respiratory specimens. Positive results are indicative of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA; clinical correlation with patient history and other diagnostic information is necessary to determine patient infection status. Positive results do not rule out bacterial infection or co-infections with other respiratory viruses.

COVID-19 Viral Testing

Coronavirus testing looks for signs of infection in nasal secretions, or other body fluids using real-time RT-PCR. Viral testing identified the virus in samples from the respiratory system, such as a swab in your nose, which is utilized to see if you are currently infected with the novel coronavirus.

COVID-19 Antibody Testing

The COVID-19 Antibody Test detects both IgG and IgM antibodies. With antibody testing previous infections can also be identified.

COVID-19 antibody tests are utilized to look for antibodies, which might tell you if you had a past infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. Antibody tests identify the immune response to the virus in blood samples, collected through methods such as venipuncture or fingerstick collection. It is important to note that antibody tests should not be used to diagnose a current COVID-19 infection. An antibody test might not show if you have a current COVID-19 infection because it can take 1–3 weeks after infection for your body to make antibodies.

Pricing

The self-pay price for COVID testing by RT-PCR is $100, and the IgG Antibody testing is $50.

Antibody testing results:

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If your result is positive:

You may have antibodies from an infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.
You may have protection from getting infected with the virus again, although this is still being researched and is currently unknown.

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If your result is negative:

You may not have ever had COVID-19.
You may still be currently infected with COVID-19.
As it typically takes 1–3 weeks after infection for your body to make antibodies, it is possible that you simply have not developed the antibodies yet.
Despite being in contact with the virus, some people who are infected might not ever develop antibodies.