Coronavirus– COVID-19 Testing & COVID-19 Antibody Testing Is Available

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a global health concern impacting the Downingtown area.

If you have come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or if you suspect you have COVID-19, please make a telemedicine visit by clicking here

Types of COVID-19 tests we offer

PCR Test:

• Nasal swab that is sent to the lab for analyzation
• Covered by all insurances
• Requires a Telemedicine visit or office visit to be covered by insurances
• Can also be a self-pay option
• Results usually available in 1 to 3 days

Rapid Molecular Test:

• Nasal Swab that is analyzed at our center using Abbott ID Now analyzers
• NOT routinely covered by insurance, check with the office to see if your insurance covers this test
• Mainly used as a self-pay option for patients that are not symptomatic and need a test for travel, back to work etc.
• Results available same day

Rapid Antigen Point of Care Test:

• Nasal Swab that is analyzed at our center, similar to a rapid flu or strep test.
• Not as sensitive as the PCR or Rapid Molecular test, so not recommended for patients that 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, Rapid Molecular POC, 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 telemedicine virtual visit with one of our medical providers, they will help you decide which test is right for you. During the telemedicine visit you will be given a specific time to come to our center for the actual test. In most cases, your appointment time will be the following day. This process allows for better management of the high demand for tests and helps to minimize the wait time for patients. Click here to book a telemedicine visit. For more information, please click here.

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

NO. If you have SYMPTOMS YOU NEED TO SCHEDULE A TELEMEDICNE APPOINTMENT. For the safety of our staff and all or our patients, we do not allow walk in COVID-19 testing for patients that are sick with COVID-19 symptoms. We ask that patients who have COVID-19 symptoms and are interested in having a COVID-19 test, book a telemedicine virtual visit with one of our medical providers. During the telemedicine visit, you will be given a specific time to come to our center for the actual test. In most cases, your appointment time will be the following day. This process allows for better management of the high demand for tests and helps minimize the wait time for patients. Click here to book a telemedicine visit.

Do you offer Rapid COVID-19 testing?

Yes. We now offer the ABBOTT IDNOW molecular diagnostic rapid test which is able to detect active coronavirus infection. This test is highly accurate compared to some other antigen rapid tests. Similar to the PCR test, a nasal swab specimen is taken and will detect an active virus. The tests are run at our location with results available the day the specimen is collected. Rapid COVID-19 testing is available without a telemedicine visit for a self-pay rate of $150. Rapid COVID-19 test is not routinely covered by most insurances. Call the office if you have questions. Click here to schedule a Rapid Molecular COVID-19 test.

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 a Delta variant since genomic testing can be performed in the lab running your test. Whereas all tests will detect Corona virus, the rapid tests will be unable to differentiate between a Sars-Covid-19 virus or a variant.

If I am traveling to Hawaii, can I get tested for COVID-19 so I can be cleared to fly?

Yes, we can test you for COVID-19 at our urgent care center if you need a negative test result for air travel.

Click here to schedule a Rapid Molecular COVID-19 Rapid Test for air travel to Hawaii.

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

Normally, COVID-19 test results return in 2 to 3 days. During periods of high demand for COVID-19 testing, results may take upwards of 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 when test results are expected, but a time for returned results cannot be guaranteed. Antibody tests results generally take 2 to 3 days.

While we have tried to plan for an appropriate number of Abbott IDNow Molecular rapid tests, the tests are not guaranteed to be available every day. If interested in the rapid test, to see the available schedule. Asymptomatic patients, who do not want to use their insurance can schedule a test without a telemedicine visit for a self-pay rate of $150.

Click here to schedule a Rapid Molecular COVID-19 Rapid Test.

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

The IDNow molecular rapid and Antigen test results are available the day the nasal swab specimens are taken. PCR and antibody test results generally take 1 to 3 days.

How much is a COVID-19 test?

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

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 is not updated in real-time. For real-time information please visit

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

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

Yes, you can be tested for an active virus or for antibodies to the virus. Depending on the test you desire or need, you may be required to have a telemedicine visit or office visit to use your insurance. During your visit, you and the provider will discuss the appropriate test for you. You may be asked to come to the center to be tested the day after your telemedicine visit at a time assigned to you by the provider. For the safety of our staff and all patients, no potential COVID patients are being seen inside our center until they have a negative test.

Are there any confirmed cases in Downingtown, PA?

There have been confirmed infections in Chester County of COVID-19. In addition to Chester County, other infections have been confirmed in neighbor counties as well as in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York.

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 isn’t known for sure how long symptoms take to appear, doctors agree they generally appear within two to fourteen days after exposure. Some information indicates that some who are infected might not even show any symptoms, but still may be contagious.

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?

The FDA has approved several COVID-19 vaccines. They are not available at our location at this time but are widely available at no cost at pharmacies everywhere.

How does someone become infected from COVID-19?

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

I don’t feel well, and I have some of these symptoms. Am I infected? What are the risk factors for the COVID-19 coronavirus?

While community infections are becoming more common, there are still quite a few other things out there that could be causing your symptoms. These illnesses include flu and upper respiratory infections. Your illness may not be related to COVID-19 at all. The main symptoms we see in many cases include:

• A dry cough that produces no phlegm or mucus
• A fever
• Loss of taste and smell

If you display the symptoms above, do not visit AFC Urgent Care Downingtown without first calling. Speak with our staff about your symptoms, concerns, and if you are at risk for COVID-19. Please call so we can provide guidance.

How can I prevent an infection from COVID-19?

The guidelines for preventing the flu can be used to protect you from the 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
• Where 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 at all times.

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 who are exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Serology testing should be used only for patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 or had symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and have been confirmed by a physician to have recovered. It may also be used in instances when an individual thinks they might have had COVID-19 in the past 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, COVID virus is a common cold virus 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 onset of symptoms, 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, which is why 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 time of testing.

While contingent on a variety of 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.