How Does The COVID-19 PCR Test Work? Is It More Accurate?

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our world, the need for fast and accurate virus testing increases. For some people, a negative COVID-19 test is required to travel or return to work, while other patients seek testing because they are experiencing COVID-like symptoms. Whatever your reason is for getting a COVID-19 test, you deserve convenience and accuracy. At iCare ER & Urgent Care, our dedicated team of board-certified ER physicians and expert medical staff are proud to offer advanced PCR, antigen, and antibody tests for COVID-19 in Frisco and Fort Worth. Learn more about COVID-19 testing near you, including which test may be the most accurate.

 

Which kind of COVID-19 test do I need?

There are a number of different types of COVID-19 tests available, each of which has its own unique set of characteristics. At iCare ER & Urgent Care, we are proud to offer PCR, antigen, and antibody testing for COVID-19 in Fort Worth and Frisco. For patients who suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 or have already developed COVID-19 symptoms, PCR and antigen testing can be used to detect an active infection as soon as two days after exposure. Antibody testing, on the other hand, looks for the presence of COVID-19 antibodies in the blood of a patient who has already contracted the virus and should be performed at least ten days after exposure.

 

iCare ER & Urgent Care offers convenient, on-site testing for COVID-19 in Frisco and Fort Worth in the emergency side of our unique, dual-hybrid facility. At this time, asymptomatic COVID-19 testing is available by appointment only.

 

What is the most accurate COVID test?

PCR COVID-19 testing offers an extremely high accuracy rate, with results typically available the same day. Like the antigen test, the PCR test looks for an active infection in the nose, throat, or respiratory tract, though it is much more sensitive than the antigen test and therefore reduces the risk of receiving a false negative result. Most often, PCR testing is performed using a nasal or throat swab, but it can test for the presence of COVID-19 in other bodily fluids.

 

At iCare ER & Urgent Care, we are proud to have the BioFire PCR test readily available for our patients. This advanced PCR COVID test offers a 97% accuracy rate and the highest quality COVID-19 test currently available.

 

How do I know if I need a COVID test?

If you suspect or are aware of having been exposed to COVID-19, or if you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, it is important to get tested as soon as possible to avoid potentially spreading the virus to others. Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

 

• Coughing
• Fever
• Chills
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Headache
• Muscle ache
• Sudden loss of taste and/or smell

 

How can I avoid getting COVID-19?

Even as schools, restaurants, and other facilities begin to reopen, it is still critical that we follow the CDC’s COVID-19 guidelines for health and safety to reduce the risk of further spread. To minimize your chance of contracting and/or spreading COVID-19, do the following:

 

• Practice social distancing
• Wear a mask
• Avoid large gatherings, particularly indoors
• Wash and sanitize your hands regularly
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces often (doorknobs, light switches, etc.)
• Do not shake hands, hug, or high-five
• Do not share food, drinks, or utensils
• Monitor yourself and others for possible COVID-19 symptoms

 

Where can I get fast and accurate COVID-19 testing near me?

If you are in need of a quick, convenient, and accurate COVID test, our professional team of medical personnel and board-certified ER physicians can help. Visit your nearest iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco or Fort Worth, TX to receive your COVID-19 test today.