Rapid COVID-19 Testing in Joliet, IL
At Internal Medicine and Family Practice, Dr. Wael Mctabi, MD is offering rapid COVID testing with proper treatment. If you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, get tested. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online! We are conveniently located at 1719 Glenwood Ave Joliet, IL 60435. We welcome walk-ins!
Table of Contents:
What does the COVID-19 rapid test detect?
How fast can I get the results from a COVID-19 test?
What does it mean if I have a negative rapid test result?
Where can I get a rapid covid test in Joliet IL?
Testing during a pandemic is important; it helps us know if we are sick so we can prevent spreading the illness to others. On a global scale, mass testing is time-consuming and expensive and can lead to delays in care if not rolled out fast enough. This is why rapid testing was developed, so people can receive near-instantaneous results and know right away if they need to take the proper precautionary measures. Although rapid tests are less accurate than other forms of testing, they are necessary in order to test the greatest number of people in the shortest amount of time.
COVID-19 rapid tests, also known as lateral flow tests (because the sample flows sideways along with the test pad), test for the presence of a protein found on the surface of the coronavirus, known as an antigen. Antigens trigger an immune response, signaling the body that a foreign invader is present and that it needs to fight off the infection. COVID-19 rapid tests look similar to a pregnancy test and even function in the same way, with a pink line indicating that the test has reacted with the antigen. To get the sample for the test, a swab must be inserted up each nostril then twisted so it can pick up some material. After collecting the sample, the swab is either directly inserted into a reader, or dipped into a solution which is then poured into a test strip. After 10 to 15 minutes, the result will be available and can either be positive (viral material was detected) or negative (no viral material was detected).
The speed at which you can receive the results from a COVID-19 test depends on the type of test performed, such as a serology test, antibody test, or molecular test. Rapid tests, which use a form of serology or antigen testing, are available within a matter of minutes, typically 10 to 15. Other types of tests, typically those that must be sent to a lab for analysis, take much longer, generally 24 to 72 hours (one to three days).
If you took a rapid test for COVID-19 and the result was negative, it is likely that you do not have COVID-19; however, if symptoms are present or you were in recent contact with a contagious person, the result could be a false-negative. A false-negative result means that you are infected with COVID-19 but the test did not return a positive diagnosis. This can occur for a number of reasons, such as taking the test too early, or the quality of the test was compromised. If you believe you have COVID-19 but had a negative test result, wait a few days before taking the test again or consult with your doctor about taking a different type of test to confirm the diagnosis.
If you are looking to get a rapid COVID-19 test and live in or around Joliet, IL, come to Internal Medicine & Family Practice today. Our team of medical professionals is dedicated to delivering the highest level of service at each visit, for every patient, and can provide you with the tools you need to stay healthy during this pandemic.
Internal Medicine & Family Practice provides rapid COVID-19 testing, so you can understand your health better. For more information, call us or schedule an appointment online! We are conveniently located at 1719 Glenwood Ave Joliet, IL 60435. We welcome walk-ins! We serve patients from Joliet IL, Manhattan IL, Channahon IL, Bolingbrook IL, Naperville IL, Lockport IL, Romeoville IL, and Plainfield IL.
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