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COVID-19 Testing Options

Nova Health is offering COVID-19 testing at all Nova Health Urgent Care locations

Due to the current surge in COVID-19 cases, we are unable to provide testing for people who require a test for the purpose of attending an event. We are deeply committed to serving the community and we must prioritize those patients who have other medical conditions, as well as those who have symptoms of COVID-19 or are close contacts and are required to get tested as part of public health measures to prevent further spread. We apologize for any inconvenience.

 

If you are sick or have been in close contact with someone that has been diagnosed with COVID-19, we highly encourage you to get screened by one of our trained providers to determine if testing is right for you.

COVID-19 Screening and Testing FAQ’s

Download FAQs & Guidelines

What is Considered Direct Exposure to COVID-19?

People who have been in close contact/direct exposure with someone who has COVID-19 or are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.

What counts as close contact?

  • You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more
  • You provided care at home to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
  • You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them)
  • You shared eating or drinking utensils
  • They sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you

Steps to Take During Quarantine:

  • Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19. In certain circumstances quarantine may be shortened to 10 days
  • Watch for fever (100.4°F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19
  • If possible, stay away from others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19

When Should Testing Occur?

  • Testing should occur 7-days post-exposure
  • If a test is performed prior to day 7, re-testing at day 7-10 days is recommended as false negative results are more likely when the test is performed prior to 7 days
    • Quarantine may be shortened to 7 days with a negative PCR test. It is important that you quarantine as advised by public health officials.

Antigen Testing:

  • Rapid tests are antigen tests, the COVID-19 equivalents of a rapid strep test
  • As with all rapid tests, there’s a balance between speed and accuracy
  • The characteristics of the antigen testing technology may infrequently result in a “false positive” in patients without symptoms.

PCR Testing:

  • PCR testing is the most sensitive and specific test available; however no single test is 100% accurate

How to Get Your Test Results:

Rapid Antigen Test

  • If you receive a rapid antigen test, you MUST STAY at the testing facility to receive your results. If you need a copy of your results, please request one as you wait

PCR Test

  • You will receive your results via a secure portal within 2-4 business days
  • Login or create an account on the LabCorp patient portal at www.bit.ly/COVID19TestResult

Quarantine Guidelines

Positive Test Result & COVID-19 Symptoms:

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends that quarantine be maintained for at least 10 days after onset of symptoms and at least 24 hours after symptoms are resolved; whichever is longer.

Symptom free is defined by:

  • At least 24 hours have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and,
  • At least 10 days have passed since onset of symptoms

Negative PCR Test Results & Possible COVID-19 Symptoms:

You may return to work 24 hours after fever resolution and symptoms are improving

  • If you develop loss of taste or smell, repeat testing is recommended.
  • During this time, you must quarantine until you receive your results
  • Continue to wear a mask for the duration of symptoms.

Negative PCR Test & No Symptoms & Direct Exposure:

Local Health Authority recommends quarantine for 14 days from last exposure if it is deemed a concerning exposure (defined as close contact) unless exempted.

  • For household contacts this can be as long as 24 days (10 days’ household member is contagious plus the 14 days to exclude transmission to you).
  • Exempted patients may be those considered part of the essential workforce and is decided on a case by case basis.

NOVA HEALTH STRONGLY RECOMENDS 14-DAY QURANTINE FOR ANY PATIENT THAT HAS A DIRECT EXPOSURE TO SOMEONE THAT HAS TESTED POSTIVE FOR COVID-19

Options to Reduce Quarantine for People Without Symptoms – according to the CDC:

CDC update from 12/2/20 allows quarantine to end sooner; 7 days with negative PCR test:

  • On day 10 without testing and no symptoms
  • On day 7 after receiving a negative PCR test result

After stopping quarantine, you should:

  • Watch for symptoms until 14 days after exposure
  • If symptoms present immediately quarantine and contact your healthcare provider

Wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash their hands, avoid crowds, and take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We realize you are in quarantine, and your results are very important.
Please check the LabCorp Portal for your results. We will call all positives.

LabCorp Patient Portal

COVID-19 Test Results: What to Expect

Rapid Antigen Test

  • If you receive a rapid antigen test, you must stay at the testing facility to receive your results.
  • If you need a copy of your results, please request one as you wait.

PCR Test

  • If you receive a PCR test you will receive your results within 2-4 business days.
  • Your PCR test results will be available via secure portal.
  • Log in or create an account on the LabCorp patient portal here.