FDA Authorized Covid-19 Testing in Takoma Park, MD
3 Testing Options for Takoma Park, MD
Testing Option 1
(In Home/Self-Administered Instant Result Test)
This test is commonly used by both employers and individuals wishing to determine if a person has the COVID-19 active virus. This test is easily administered by a nasal swab and after following the testing procedures, results are generally available within 15 minutes. This self-administered test can be ordered to have readily available should an employee or family member in Takoma Park, MD begin exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms. Order Online or Call (800) 221-4291
Testing Option 2
(Laboratory Certified PCR Test)
This test is commonly used by individuals in need of a PCR Molecular test for travel or any other Governmental required purpose. This saliva PCR test is self-collected and sent by overnight delivery to our FDA approved certified laboratory for analysis and result reporting. Takoma Park, MD Testing procedures are easily followed and upon registration of your test, results are available within 24 hours of reaching the laboratory. COVID-19 results are transmitted electronically and are approved for travel, return to work purposes or to provide laboratory certification that you are not actively infected with COVID-19. Call to Order (800) 221-4291
Testing Option 3
(COVID-19 Antibody Blood Draw)
You can schedule your Covid-19 Antibody blood test at a local testing center in Takoma Park, MD by calling our scheduling department or scheduling your testing online. Once your test is scheduled, you will receive an email with your test authorization form, testing location address and hours of operation. Same day service is available. Test results are provided in approximately 2-3 days. Call to Schedule (800) 221-4291
Additional COVID-19 Information
Accredited Drug Testing provides Coronavirus, also known as Covid-19 testing utilizing several testing methods including an FDA approved self-administered molecular saliva test to determine if the virus is active or a blood draw collection at testing centers in Takoma Park, MD to determine if the virus antibody is present. All tests are analyzed at our FDA/CLIA Certified laboratories and results are provided in a confidential manner.
What is the Coronavirus?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others in Takoma Park, MD from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently and not touching your face.
The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it's important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).
At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments.
Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus
Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 2 metres (6 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
What test should I get, a PCR Saliva test or an antibody test?
You should get a PCR Saliva test if:
- You have symptoms of COVID-19 (such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath).
- You don't have symptoms but may have been exposed to COVID-19.
- You don't have symptoms and haven't been recently exposed but live or work in a place where people reside, meet, or gather in close proximity (this can include healthcare settings, homeless shelters, assisted living facilities, group homes, prisons, detention centers, schools, and workplaces).
- Your employer, public health department, contact investigator, or healthcare provider has identified you as someone who should get tested.
You should get an antibody test if:
- You have been diagnosed with COVID-19, it has been at least 10 days since your diagnosis, and you want to know if you have antibodies.
- You have not had symptoms and have not had a known exposure to COVID-19 within the last 10 days but want to see if you have antibodies.
- You have had or suspect you've had COVID-19 but have not experienced any new symptoms in the past 10 days
- You have had or suspect you've had COVID-19 but have not experienced a fever in the past 24 hours.
- If you believe you have symptoms of COVID-19 or that you have been exposed to the virus, you should consult your place of work for specific guidance about whether to stay home or continue working.
Who should not get a COVID-19 test?
You should not get a PCR Saliva test if you:
- Currently have severe symptoms that limit your daily activities. Seek medical attention right away if this is the case.
- Tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 3 months. Speak with your healthcare provider prior to getting tested.
You should not get an antibody test if you:
- Are feeling sick or have had a fever within the last 24 hours.
- Are trying to diagnose COVID-19.
- Have been diagnosed with COVID-19 less than 10 days ago.
- Were directly exposed to COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
- Have a condition that weakens your immune system.
If you have any other questions, speak with your healthcare provider about testing recommendations to see if testing is right for you at this time.
How are COVID-19 tests performed?
A PCR Saliva test is conducted by saliva collection. The saliva test requires providing a sample of your spit into a collection tube.
An antibody test is conducted by collecting a blood sample (such as from a finger prick or needle draw).
What will my COVID-19 test results tell me?
A PCR Saliva test will confirm whether or not you are currently infected with COVID-19. If your results are positive, it is important to isolate immediately and continue to monitor your symptoms. If your results are negative, it means the virus was not present in the sample you provided.
An antibody test will show whether or not you have developed antibodies to COVID-19.
After receiving your results, you will have an opportunity to speak with a licensed healthcare provider who can answer any questions you may have about your test results and help determine next steps in care.
Are there any limitations to COVID-19 tests?
A PCR Saliva test may not detect the virus in early stages of infection. In addition, a PCR test may not detect the virus if there was a problem with your sample, such as when the sample is not collected as directed. There is also the possibility of a false negative (a negative result that is incorrect) if you've had recent exposure to the virus along with symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
An antibody test may detect antibodies from previous exposure to coronaviruses other than COVID-19, which can cause a false positive result. Getting an antibody test too soon after being infected may cause a false negative result. Additionally, some individuals who are infected with COVID-19 may not develop detectable levels of antibodies, such as those with weakened immune systems due to a medical condition or certain medications.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Takoma Park, MD Testing Locations
Where Can I Get More COVID-19 Information?
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Public Health Emergency Policy