AFC Urgent Care Torrington is now offering the serology antibody test. This new test detects IgG antibody in blood which indicates that the individual has been exposed to Covid-19 also referred to as the CoronaVirus. An appointment is not required for testing and the test is free of charge at our urgent care center. Please wear a mask when you come to AFC Urgent Care Torrington for antibody testing.
I’ve heard there are different types of antibody tests. Which one does AFC Urgent Care Torrington perform?
At AFC Urgent Care Torrington, we perform the specific and accurate ELISA based serology test. This is a more sophisticated test, performed in a complex laboratory, called ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay). This test is highly specific and accurate for COVID-19. It is performed by obtaining blood in a vial and sending to a high complexity laboratory to perform.
The second type of serology test is a Cartridge based Rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG which is performed by obtaining a blood sample with a finger stick and it generates results within 15-20 minutes. However, the majority of currently available Rapid Cartridge based tests are not very specific and accurate to COVID-19.
Who is the Antibody test for?
AFC Urgent Care Torrington is offering Antibody testing for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Patients who have been asymptomatic for at least fourteen days, not exhibiting a cough, fever, body aches or congestion, are eligible for antibody testing. At the individual level, patients can walk-in to get tested with no appointment necessary at our AFC Urgent Care in Torrington.
Most public health organizations are using antibody tests to decide the full scope of COVID-19 infections between both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Antibody tests can give a patient that is asymptomatic a more accurate COVID-19 diagnosis than standard testing.
COVID-19 testing for antibodies is for public safety personnel including; police officers, firefighters, EMS, correction officers, mortuary service providers, grocery store workers, and state active duty National Guard personnel who perform critical public safety functions.
When to get the Antibody test?
It is wise to conduct an IgG antibody test after 14 days of being symptom free because most people will develop an IgG response in that timeframe. If you believe you’ve had it in the past or have been exposed to someone who has it in the past 14 days you can get tested at AFC Urgent Care Torrington.
*If there is evidence that a patient may have active disease, we will do a Nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 PCR testing.
What’s the difference between antibody testing and diagnostic testing?
Antibody testing is performed on asymptomatic patients via a blood draw and can only be used to detect past infection. Diagnostic testing detects the active COVID-19 virus and is performed via a nasal swab. The antibody serology test detects the presence of a specific antibody against Coronavirus. It is administered by drawing blood once you meet the criteria and blood is sent to a highly sophisticated lab to perform this test. Presence of IgG antibody indicates a previous COVID-19 exposure.
Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 is performed via a nasal swab and can detect the active virus in symptomatic patients. It is conducted by obtaining a sample from a nasopharynx or oropharynx or nasal cavity with a swab in patients who have any symptoms related with COVID-19. The result lets us know whether or not you have COVID-19 disease.
The process for testing for active symptoms or antibodies includes a detailed history of the patient and a medical evaluation by a healthcare provider. Some patients may need either COVID-19 PCR or Serology IgG, and others may require both.
What should I expect when I get my results back?
A positive antibody test indicates exposure to coronavirus and development of an immune response. According to the CDC, If you receive a positive antibody result, but don’t have symptoms of COVID-19 or have not been around someone who may have COVID-19, you are not likely to have a current infection. You may then continue with normal activities, including work, but still take steps to protect yourself and others, as implications of the antibody protections are still somewhat unknown.
People who receive positive results on an antibody test and who are currently or recently sick or have been around someone with COVID-19 should follow CDC recommendations on caring for themselves and protecting others.
A negative result indicates that you have not been exposed to a coronavirus, or that you have been exposed in the very recent past and your body has not had the opportunity to develop an immune response yet.
Regardless of the test result, you must continue to comply with local health and safety guidelines to protect yourself and others from possible infection. For the most up-to-date information on practices followed in Connecticut, please visit the state department website.
Why you should get tested for COVID-19 antibodies at AFC Urgent Care Torrington
Getting tested for COVID-19 antibodies is important to keep Connecticut informed about the path of the virus and how to stop the spread. AFC Urgent Care Torrington plays a huge role in the Torrington community by helping test residents, essential workers and high risk individuals. Knowing IgG status helps give individuals and their healthcare providers insight for a more informed decision about returning to work and activity in Connecticut.
All testing will need to be pre-screened by an AFC provider via a telemedicine urgent care visit (AFC/TeleCare) or walk-in visit.
Call us today for more information: 860-866-4321
