Who should be tested for COVID-19?
The CDC is regularly updating guidance on who physicians should test for COVID-19. Patients presenting with fever or signs of lower respiratory illness—especially in those who may have been exposed You should
get a test for COVID-19 if:
- You develop any symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild, or
- You are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
- If you are a resident of a community at higher risk for COVID-19 spread, even if you have no symptoms.
See a list of communities and learn more at http://www.mass.gov/StopTheSpread
There are two types of COVID-19 testing: Virus Testing and Antibody Testing.
What is the difference between the tests for COVID-19?
Virus testing sometimes also called “PCR" or molecular testing, is the type that tells you if you currently have COVID-19. These tests are typically done using a nasal swab, oral swab,
or saliva sample, and then sent to a lab. Antigen tests are rapid antigen tests which can be performed at point-of-care to supplement molecular testing.
Antibody testing is the type that helps you find out whether you may have been infected with COVID-19 in the past. This is a blood test that looks for antibodies. At this time, most people don’t need antibody tests and they should not be used to guide
decisions on whether to stop isolation or return to work. Currently, there is no proof that antibodies in your blood means that you are immune from further infection with COVID-19.
Is COVID-19 self-testing available?
At-home testing kits available, however they are reserved for adults (18+) who are experiencing symptoms, have recently been in contact with someone with COVID-19, or who have been recommended for testing
by a health care provider. More information about the at-home test kit can be found here.
