Testing for COVID-19 has been a hot topic throughout our nation, state, and at the local level. I wanted to discuss common testing topics as well as share testing recommendations and strategies that the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts are implementing.
What are the types of tests for COVID-19?
There are two different types of tests available for COVID-19: tests for current infection (viral tests) and tests for past infection (antibody tests.) The viral COVID-19 test we provide tests for current infection. This involves taking samples from a person’s upper respiratory tract (nose, throat) to see if there is a presence of genetic material from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Viral tests are used to diagnose current infection with COVID-19.
There are also tests that look at past infections that involve detecting antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19. An antibody test may not be able to show if you have a current infection, because it can take one to three weeks after infection to make antibodies. We do not know yet if having antibodies to the virus can protect someone from getting infected with the virus again. There are also concerns about the accuracy of these tests. Therefore, results from these tests should not be used to make decisions about returning to work, or the need to wear a face covering or social distancing.
What are the priorities for testing?
The priorities for the health department’s public lab testing include testing individuals involved in an outbreak investigation, selected contact investigations, un- or under-insured persons with COVID-19 symptoms, healthcare workers, first responders, and workers and residents with COVID-19 symptoms in, or newly arriving to, congregate settings such as long-term care facilities, homeless shelters, prisons and jails, etc. The priorities for private and commercial lab testing through clinics, urgent cares, and hospitals include hospitalized patients, persons with COVID-19 symptoms, and persons prioritized by clinicians (e.g. for medical procedures.)
What is the effect of the test?
Oftentimes, we receive a request from individuals or groups who want to be tested even if they are not showing symptoms. Although people can be asymptomatic, having a group tested to help decide if activities can resume should not be a strategy for companies, faith-based organizations, and other groups. It is important to understand that a COVID-19 test does not offer protection. It does not prevent you from being exposed and getting COVID-19. Testing negative can provide you with a false sense of assurance. The result of the test is only a test for the moment tested. For example, if you were exposed yesterday and test negative today, you could be infectious tomorrow. It may take days for the virus to replicate enough inside our bodies to be detected by the test. Testing does not prevent exposure and is primarily used to understand disease prevalence and to recommend isolation. What WILL protect you are the safety precautions: staying home when possible, wearing a cloth face covering, keeping six feet of physical distance from others, and hand washing.
To learn more about COVID-19 testing, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing/. Visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus or call the health department’s call center if you have any questions or concerns: 1-855-949-8378, open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
