COVID-19 is a novel (new) virus that belongs to the Coronavirus family and is often referred to as COVID-19 or SARS CoV2. This virus was first noted in December 2019 in China. Since that time, it has spread across the world and became a pandemic. COVID-19 can be found in your respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs) but may cause symptoms in several other areas of your body.
COVID TESTING
Here at Atlanta Pediatric Partners, PC, we perform a limited number of in-office rapid COVID antigen tests with sending out PCR confirmation as indicated. We can swab patients and send specimens out to their designated labs for PCR testing as indicated.
There are 3 types for COVID testing.
Molecular Testing
- RNA or PCR
- Diagnostic test which detects the viruses genetic material (pieces of the SARS COV2 virus)
- ACTIVE INFECTION
- Most accurate test
- Nasopharyngeal swab is gold standard at this time b (sone test use saliva)
- Mostly performed at a lab. May take several days for results. (Rapid tests exist.)
*Antigen test
- RNA or PCR
- Diagnostic test which looks for pieces of the protein that makes up the SARS COV2 virus
- ACTIVE INFECTION
- Highly accurate. If positive, then it is likely correct
- More incidents of false negative
- Nasopharyngeal swab
Antibody Test
- Detects antibody to SARS:COV2
- PAST INFECTION
- Recommended to be performed 14 days after the onset of symptoms
- Blood/Serology— fingers tick/venipuncture
Click Here for our brochure on COVID guidelines for parents and patients.
*Offered at Atlanta Pediatric Partners PC