Coronavirus– COVID-19 Testing & COVID-19 Antibody Testing Is Available In Downingtown, PA

Types of COVID-19 tests we offer:

PCR Test:

• Nasal swab that is sent to the lab for analyzation
• Covered by all insurance
• Requires an office visit to be covered by insurance
• It can also be a self-pay option
• Results are usually available in 1 to 3 days

Rapid Antigen Point of Care Test:

• Nasal Swab that is analyzed at our center, similar to the rapid flu or strep test.
• It is not as sensitive as the PCR test, so it is not recommended for patients who have no symptoms.
• Used on SYMPTOMATIC patients and is covered by all insurances with or without an office visit or telemedicine visit
• Results available in 20 minutes, used widely as a diagnostic tool to rule out COVID-19, which allows the patient to be seen in the office

AFC Urgent Care Downingtown has PCR, COVID-19 antigen, and antibody testing capabilities at our center. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, getting tested is a two-step process. The first step is to schedule a visit with one of our medical providers. They will help you decide which test is right for you. During most visits, a COVID-19 test will be administered to you by our trained staff. There are times when this test is unavailable due to testing supply shortages. We will inform you if this test is unavailable before you arrive at our urgent care center.

Click Here to book a COVID-19 test visit. Select “Illness” and then select “Suspected Exposure to COVID-19” in the symptoms.

Can I walk in and get a COVID-19 test if I am sick?

While walk-in appointments are available, we ask that you call from outside the center before entering if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Scheduling an appointment is highly recommended as this allows AFC Urgent Care Downingtown to mitigate the spread of the virus within the center properly. Click Here to book an appointment, or call our center directly at 610-518-1060.

Do the tests you offer detect the COVID-19 Variants?

It is believed the PCR test is the most accurate to determine if you are positive with variants since genomic testing can be performed in the lab running your test.

How long does it take for me to receive my test results?

Normally, COVID-19 test results return in 1 to 3 days. During periods of high demand for COVID-19 testing, results may take 7-10 days. We use LabCorp to process our COVID-19 tests, and the time it takes to get results can change daily. Our provider will do their best to give you an estimation of when test results are expected, but a time for returned results cannot be guaranteed. The antibody test results generally take 1 to 3 days.

How much is a COVID-19 test?

Currently, insurance is covering PCR COVID-19 tests for all symptomatic patients. Patients without symptoms wanting to be tested for personal reasons unrelated to illness may have to pay out of pocket to be tested or pay a portion of their bill. Please check with your insurance regarding your latest benefits regarding COVID-19 testing.

Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor to get a COVID-19 test?

No referral is needed at this time.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or are asymptomatic but have been exposed to a person with COVID-19, please call the office at (610) 518-1060 before coming to our center!

Our neighbors in Downingtown may have some questions about the coronavirus. Below are some common questions and answers to them. This page will be kept up to date as best as possible but needs to be updated in real time. For real-time information, please visit CDC Website.

Can I be tested for a COVID-19 infection at AFC Urgent Care Downingtown?

Yes, you can be tested for an active virus or antibodies to the virus. Depending on the test you desire or need, you may need an office visit to use your insurance. During your visit, you and the provider will discuss the appropriate test for you. From there, in most cases, you will receive a COVID-19 test that is right for you.

What are the symptoms of the coronavirus? How long do they take to appear?

This coronavirus shares many symptoms of the flu, a common cold, or a regular upper respiratory infection. According to the CDC, current COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Seek immediate medical care the following symptoms develop:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

This coronavirus, however, can develop severe complications, including:

• Fever of over 100.4F
• Pneumonia
• Sepsis
• Death

While it is unknown how long symptoms take to appear, doctors agree they generally appear within two to fourteen days after exposure. Some information indicates that some infected might not even show symptoms but may still be contagious.

What are the symptoms of the COVID-19 variant, omicron BA. 2.75?

• The most common symptom is a sore throat that causes dryness, itching, and pain.
• Low-grade fever.
• Runny nose.
• Sneezing.
• Mild to moderate fatigue.
• Headache.

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?

The FDA has approved several COVID-19 vaccines. They are not available at our location but are widely available at no cost at nearby pharmacies. Ask our staff for help if you need assistance finding a location near you offering COVID-19 vaccines.

How does someone become infected from COVID-19?

This virus originated from an animal that remains unidentified. However, one can become infected by person-to-person transmission. This virus is quite contagious.

How can I prevent an infection from COVID-19?

The guidelines for preventing the flu can be used to protect you from COVID-19. These guidelines are:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching surfaces and then your face
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick
• Cover your nose and mouth if you feel sick
• Wear a surgical mask or a face mask while traveling in public.

For additional protection

• Avoid live animal markets
• Cook food thoroughly
• Wear a surgical mask & eye protection around someone with an active COVID-19 infection.

Can I receive an antibody test at AFC Urgent Care Downingtown?

Yes! An antibody test is available at our urgent care center.

Does an antibody test (also known as serology) tell me that I am currently suffering from COVID-19?

Serology testing is not intended as a diagnostic test for patients exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Serology testing should be used only for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 or with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 confirmed by a physician to have recovered. It may also be used when an individual thinks they might have had COVID-19 and needs confirmation. In either case, the serology test is only for people who are well and/or recovered.

If my serology test says I have COVID-19 antibodies, does that mean I am immune?

Serology testing should not be used as the sole basis for a diagnosis nor assurance of immunity. There have been cases where a person is known to have antibodies and becomes re-infected. Viruses can mutate. The COVID virus is similar to other common cold viruses, so it is possible to become sick again even if you are tested and have antibodies.

How long after I am infected with COVID-19 should I expect my body to produce antibodies?

Early published literature suggests that an antibody response may be detected in about 30% of patients 4 days after the onset of symptoms and in 75% of patients by 8-10 days. The longer you wait after your illness, the more likely you will be to have the antibodies tested by the IgG test we are currently offering.

Why would I want to be tested for Antibodies?

The most likely use of this test is to investigate:

• Whether the person has been exposed to the virus in the past and has developed antibodies.
• Investigating who has been in contact with the virus,
• Exposure studies for a population,
• Helping assess if an individual with recent symptoms suggesting COVID-19 but who did not undergo diagnostic or who was tested but whose results were negative

If my serology test comes back positive for having antibodies, does that mean I am currently infected with COVID-19?

There are antibody tests that can identify an active virus. We are currently not testing for those antibodies. We are testing for long-term antibodies, IgG, so you need to wait until after you are asymptomatic to get this test. Furthermore, results from antibody testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude COVID-19 infection or to inform infection status.

What does a positive/negative result mean?

A positive serologic result indicates that an individual has likely produced an immune response to the COVID-19 virus. A negative serologic result suggests that an individual has not developed detectable antibodies at the testing time.

While contingent on various factors, a negative result could be due to testing too early in the course of infection, the absence of exposure to the virus, or the lack of an adequate immune response, which can be due to conditions or treatments that suppress immune function, confirmation of infection with COVID-19 must be made through a combination of clinical evaluation and other applicable tests.