Photo: LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (Photo / Michael Owen Baker) / Courtesy
By: A message sponsored by the County of Los Angeles
Wednesday, November 6
A doctor's note on Covid-19 testing
1. How does getting tested for COVID – 19 help me prevent the spread of the virus?
Getting Tested for COVID – . infect your family, friends and community. If you test positive, you must isolate yourself so that you do not infect other people. Tell the people you’ve been with to quarantine and get tested. Here’s how we can slow the spread of the virus and prevent future waves of COVID – 19.
2. Are the types of COVID tests – 19 different in their accuracy? If so, which one is the best?
There are two main types of COVID tests – 19: molecular and antigenic. Molecular tests (commonly called “PCR tests”) are generally more accurate. They are processed in a laboratory and you will receive your results in a few days. Antigen tests, which are sometimes called “rapid tests,” can be processed anywhere and results are obtained in about 20 minutes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends having multiple antigen tests over several days to improve the chances of identifying infections.
And remember: regardless of the type of COVID test – 19 you choose, you have to give a good quality sample to get accurate results. Obtaining your sample by a trained healthcare professional will help ensure that the sample is of high quality. If you take the nose or mouth sample yourself, be sure to follow all instructions carefully.
3. How can I get tested if my doctor’s office does not offer COVID testing – 19 or Don’t have appointments available?
If you cannot get an appointment or if you cannot contact your doctor, visit covid 19. lacounty.gov/testing. This website has a language selector and you can use it to find a place near you where they offer free testing. Although you don’t need to make an appointment at many of the government-run testing centers, making an appointment will help you wait less time.
4. If I have already received the COVID vaccine – 19, should I get tested regularly even if I don’t have symptoms? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone who exhibits any signs or symptoms of COVID – . And don’t forget: even if you are vaccinated, you should be tested 3-5 days after being around someone who has been diagnosed with or could have COVID – 19.