Coronavirus Testing in San Diego, CA

If you're experiencing the symptoms associated with COVID-19, contact us at AFC urgent care as we are now offering COVID-19 testing. Call us today.

The novel coronavirus has caused a lot of dislocation in people's lives worldwide and has forced so many of us to rearrange the way we support ourselves and our families. These are particularly uncertain and anxious times, and we want to do whatever we can to help at AFC Urgent Care so that we can all put COVID-19 in the rear-view mirror. One of the ways that we are happy to help is through coronavirus testing!

Are all COVID-19 detection kits the same?

There are two standard types of COVID-19 tests: the serological or antibody test, and the nucleic-based acid test, also known as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or molecular test. The serological test analyzes an individual's blood for antibodies produced by the immune system to neutralize the COVID-19 pathogen. The nucleic-based acid test analyzes nasopharyngeal swabs for the presence of the COVID-19 pathogen. These swabs are taken from nasal secretions in the nose and back of the throat.

What serological tests are available to detect the coronavirus?

The primary purpose of a serological test is to detect antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that is known to cause COVID-19. These antibodies take about one to three weeks to develop after COVID-19 has infected an individual. As such, they are not used to detect the actual COVID-19 pathogen to provide an initial diagnosis for COVID-19; instead, they are used to determine whether or not COVID-19 has asymptomatically infected an individual and if they have since recovered or not. On the other hand, the nucleic-based acid test remains the best test to detect the early presence of the virus in individuals because it can detect the presence of the actual pathogen.

How does one get tested for the coronavirus?

For a diagnostic COVID-19 test, the best way to get tested is to contact your primary care provider or us and tell them that you would like to be tested for COVID-19. Let them know of any symptoms that you are experiencing, and if you work in a healthcare facility or any other job that requires you to be around vulnerable people. With such information, your provider will let you know if you should be tested or not. If so, they will arrange for you to get tested at an established testing facility, such as AFC Urgent Care.

If you would like a serological or antibody test for COVID-19, please give us a call at AFC Urgent Care! Let us know your concerns and reasons for wanting an antibody test, and we will see if a testing appointment is the best decision in your case.

Who should get an antibody test for COVID-19?

Antibody tests are helpful for individuals who have previously been infected by COVID-19 but have successfully recovered from the virus. They are also beneficial for individuals who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 but are concerned that they might have come into contact with the virus. Moreover, such tests can provide what has been dubbed as an “immunity passport” for individuals looking to travel or to return to work, as they provide evidence that the individual is not at risk of getting re-infected by COVID-19. If you are unsure whether or not you would benefit and qualify for an antibody test, please contact us at AFC Urgent Care!

Come to AFC Urgent Care in San Diego, California, if you require testing for the novel coronavirus! We are persistent in our efforts to keep our facility a safe and efficient place to receive testing and medical care during these challenging times. To schedule an appointment with us, please give us a call or book an appointment through our website. AFC Urgent Care has five locations to serve you best, including those in the San Diego area.