COVID-19 TESTING
Atrium Medical now offers FOUR different types of Covid tests! This section describes which one may be most appropriate for you, depending on purpose and turnaround time.
A summary of the four available tests is given below:
| Test | Method | Turnaround time | Purpose | |
| 1 | Rapid Sars-Cov-2 Antigen Test | Nasal swab | 15 minutes | Antigen tests are useful for identifying a person who is at or near peak infection. Antigen tests are generally faster but considered less accurate than PCR tests, which are considered the gold standard (#2 and 3 below). |
| 2 | Sars-Cov-2 RT-PCR Test (Rapid) | Nasal swab | 1 hour | Considered higher accuracy. Accepted at most places for both international and domestic travel. However, your insurance may not cover (see #3) |
| 3 | Sars-Cov-2 RT-PCR Test (Non-rapid) | Nasal swab | 1-2 days | Same as #2, but the swab is sent to an outside lab. Results are available after a few days. May be covered by insurance – patients should consult their insurance provider. |
| 4 | Sars-Cov-2/ COVID -19 Antibody Test | Blood test | 1-2 days | You may wish to take an antibody test to see if you’ve previously contracted the novel coronavirus. While antibody tests can tell you if you’ve previously contracted SARS-CoV-2, they cannot determine your level of immunity, and vaccination is still recommended. |
Here are some FAQS related to Covid testing.
Which Rapid Antigen test do you use?
Atrium uses the FDA-approved BD Veritor System for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2. Check out the FDA’s website or click here for more information
Which Rapid RT-PCR test do you use?
RT-PCR stands for Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction. It is a molecular test that detects genetic material – the RNA – of the coronavirus. PCR tests are sensitive enough to need only a very tiny amount of virus for detection. For this reason, they have become the mainstay of COVID-19 diagnostic testing. At Atrium we use the Accula diagnostic kit by ThermoFisher Scientific. Click here for more information.
What is the difference between Rapid and Non-Rapid PCR test?
The Rapid PCR test is used in urgent situations where the patient does not wish to wait for 1-3 days to get the result. Please note that the insurance provider may not cover the Rapid PCR test and hence this test may involve an out-of-pocket payment.
The Non-rapid RT-PCR test is administered by an Atrium provider and then sent to an outside lab. We have no control over how long the lab takes to provide the result.
In general, Atrium Medical cannot guarantee a payment or verify that definite eligibility of benefits conveyed to us or to you by your carrier will be accurate or complete. Payment of benefits is subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member’s contract at the time of service. Atrium Medical strongly recommends, requests, and encourages you to be familiar with, and verify your benefits with your insurance company prior to being seen.
I need to travel this evening, and the airline/destination requires a negative Covid test, help! Which test should I get?
Rapid Sars-Cov2 RT-PCR Test
What Covid safety guidelines are you following?
We have instituted all procedural changes recommended by the CDC to ensure that all our patients’ safety is protected in every way possible when they come into our offices for appointments. Click here to learn about our Covid safety guidelines.
