April 2023 - Page 4 of 4 - Good Hearts Health

As the pandemic has progressed, COVID testing has become a lot more accessible, affordable, and reliable. Thanks to the advent of scientific technology, you can even request same-day PCR test results—a process that once took around two days.

However, there is still a lot of confusion about when to get tested for COVID.

Let’s address some of these queries:

Do monitor your symptoms

Do monitor your health before getting tested. Watch out for any symptoms of COVID19. If you have a fever, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath, get tested immediately.

If you don’t have any symptoms but have been in contact with a potentially infected person, there are two ways to go about it:

You isolate yourself and wait it out. Stay in quarantine for around ten days to see if you’ve been infected.
Get tested if you need to get back to work immediately and the workplace requires a test.

In most cases, waiting it out is a better option since most tests are only effective if you’re showing symptoms. You don’t want to get tested too early and get a false negative.

Do monitor your symptoms

Suppose you’ve traveled back from another state and have immediately tested negative upon landing. We still recommend you observe self-quarantine for around a week. This is because, at times, it takes several days before your symptoms start showing up. However, you can carry on the infection if you’re a carrier.

Do monitor your symptoms

Don’t end your isolation until you test negative again. Even if you feel like you’re getting better and on the road to recovery, it might be too soon to leave your room and be around your family again. Don’t engage in any guesswork and assume that you’ve recovered.

Get retested! You’re only safe to be around your family after you’ve tested negative. We recommend getting retested ten days after the first onset of the symptoms. You can also get a second test done if you haven’t experienced any symptoms for around 24 hours. Seek your healthcare provider’s advice in this case.

Good Hearts Testing offers same-day PCR, antigen, and antibody testing in Miami for individuals and large corporate groups. Other than in-office testing, we would also be glad to visit your home/office to conduct your test. Book your appointment now, and we will get back to you.

The most accurate COVID-19 test is the PCR test; the complete form is a polymerase chain reaction test. It’s a reliable COVID test for diagnosing whether a person has an active SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The PCR test is considered the gold standard test so let’s look at more details about the test and how it is performed.

What Is the PCR Test?

A PCR test is conducted to detect certain genetic material or RNA from a virus and see if that virus is present in the body. The test comes under the category of molecular tests and is used to find out if a person is currently infected at the time when the sample was collected.

To conduct the PCR test, the genetic material of the virus is isolated and then copied multiple times. This genetic material is used to identify traces of the virus, and the copying process allows the test to detect even the smallest trace of the virus in the sample.

Since the PCR test is more accurate than other tests, you might be asked to take this test by health care professionals if you show symptoms of COVID-19 or if you’ve been in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.

In other cases, a medical practitioner might ask you to take a molecular test after you’ve taken a rapid antigen test to confirm the results.

How Is the Test Performed?

The PCR test is performed by collecting a small sample from either the nose or the throat of a person. If your medical professional is taking a swab from your nose, they will insert a small cotton bud into one of your nostrils, leave it in place for a few seconds, then turn it one or two times to ensure the sample is collected. Sometimes, the healthcare providers insert the swab into both nostrils to ascertain that the cotton has absorbed the fluid sample.

Some people feel slight discomfort or pain during the swab test, especially if the cotton needs to be inserted deeper into the nostril to reach the nasopharynx, an area behind the nose.

The test may make your eyes water or cause you to flinch or gag, and these are all normal reactions. The test only takes a few minutes, and there are no lasting side effects or pain.

Specific molecular tests such as the rapid antigen test can also collect a fluid sample from a person’s saliva. This kind of test requires you to spit into a test tube until a sufficient quantity of saliva is collected.

Understanding the Test Results

The turnaround time for the PCR test depends on the testing center, the laboratory, or the hospital where the test was performed. It can be anywhere between 30 minutes to three working days.

The test result will be either positive or negative. If it’s positive, this means you have an active SARS-CoV-2 infection and need to self-isolate as per FDA regulations. If the test is negative, you are clear of any genetic materials in your body, and you don’t have COVID-19.

To get a fast COVID test in Miami, get in touch with Good Hearts Testing. We offer reliable COVID tests along with same-day results. Contact us today.

With various tests for COVID-19 available on the market, choosing the right one can seem confusing.

In reality, the major tests recommended by authorities such as the CDC and WHO are completely safe and accurate to a great degree, but they have subtle differences and advantages which could make one type more feasible than the other.

Testing is crucial to ensure that you don’t risk other people’s lives, and have the necessary clearance to travel safely.. Here’s a guide to the various kinds of COVID-19 testing being performed.

Molecular test (aka RNA or PCR test)

Molecular tests are often called PCR tests, short for polymerase chain reaction, which is the lab methodology for detecting the virus’ genetic material. The process is fairly simple, requiring another person to collect mucus from either your throat or nose using a swap.

The results for PCR tests are very accurate, having a turnaround time ranging from several minutes to a few days. The time duration for Covid-10 results can vary depending on the test site; whether the test was done onsite or at another facility.

Recent developments suggest that saliva can also be used for testing purposes and provide accurate results.

Antibody Test (Aka Serology Test or Blood Test)

Healthcare professionals perform antibody tests by taking blood samples from a finger prick or drawing it from your veins. Antibody tests are generally slower, as the samples are tested at a medical lab, which can take a few days, and delay the test results. Recent developments suggest faster turnaround times, as minimal as 15 minutes with new point-of-care tests.

Unfortunately, these tests can’t help diagnose an active case of COVID, as these are generally useful for finding out past infections. These tests are crucial in learning about the asymptomatic infection and the overall prevalence of the Coronavirus.

Rapid Antigen Tests

Antigen tests are called rapid tests, as these have a quick turnaround time. They take 10-15 minutes to produce results, which is why these are used for large scale screening efforts at events and high traffic places like airports. These Rapid Antigen tests operate in the same manner as a PCR test, with a healthcare professional swapping your nose or throat for samples.

However, these tests are often unable to detect an active case of the Coronavirus, which means that a doctor can rule out false negatives in case someone tests negative but shows symptoms of COVID.

At Good Hearts Testing, we provide a complete array of fast COVID testing techniques in Miami. Whether you’re looking for same-day antigen, PCR or antibody testing, we provide all three. Our services also cater to different industries, providing at-home COVID tests, group testing, production testing and in-studio testing.

Acquire quick, reliable and easy COVID testing solutions for yourself, your loved ones and employees with us right away. Get in touch with us to learn more about our services.

Many organizations, including schools and factories, have started resuming operations across the US. Despite the vaccinations being rolled out, it’s still essential to ensure necessary precautions.

People need to maintain social distancing, wear masks, and practice personal hygiene. These guidelines are primarily directed toward vulnerable seniors with weakened immune systems.

With vaccination drives are in full swing, there’s a lot of uncertainty. What is the efficacy of the vaccines? How long will it remain effective? Can I get COVID-19 after vaccination?

Here’s a guide to help you deal with the possibility of contracting COVID-19. If you think you’ve been exposed to the airborne disease, here’s what to do.

Know Your Risks

Stay up-to-date about your health. People with current or pre-existing medical conditions must stay vigilant. Attending public gatherings, shaking hands, not wearing a mask, and inadequate personal hygiene can be a recipe for disaster.

The risk of contracting the virus is very high for people above 50. However, this doesn’t mean youngsters are immune. Make sure you follow CDC instructions if you have diabetes, hypertension, asthma, PSTD, COPD, sinus issues, hypertension, cardiac problems, or a suppressed immune system.

Know Your Risks

COVID-19 is an RNA-based virus which is transmitted via air droplets. When you’re in close vicinity with an affected person, the virus can travel through the air and enter your body. It can also transmit via an infected surface. Touching your mouth, nose, or eyes after touching a possibly infected surface can lead to contraction.

You must determine whether you’ve been living, taking care, or working with someone who has COVID-19. Moreover, assess whether you had a direct interaction like sharing a water bottle, shaking hands, kissing, or hugging with them. This would help you determine if you might’ve contracted COVID-19.

Exposed But No Symptoms

Asymptomatic cases are a pressing challenge for healthcare communities. Doctors and medical workers are continuously telling people to stay home and practice social distancing. However, they’re unable to detect asymptomatic cases.

When an infected person doesn’t show any symptoms, they’re likely go about their everyday activities. This may include attending school, workplace, eating at a restaurant, etc. This increases the chances of rapid virus transmission.

Getting tested is the most efficient way to know whether you have COVID-19. Moreover, continue to practice the public health guidelines. Monitor your symptoms throughout the 14-day incubation period.

Reliable Same Day and Next Day PCR Tests in Miami

Good Hearts Testing is a professional and reliable COVID-19 testing service provider in Miami. Order an at-home COVID-19 PCR testing service from Good Hearts Testing.

Avail antigen, PCR or antibody testing as we offer easy and fast COVID testing. We provide a variety of services, including at home COVID tests, group testing, production testing and in studio testing.

Find quick, reliable and easy COVID testing, with results provided on the same day for your convenience.

Get in touch with them to learn more.

What You Need to know

Covid-19 cases are again rising nationally and locally. The true number of cases is likely much higher than what is being reported due to many cases being diagnosed with at home antigen testing. Most cases are being caused by Omicron BA.2 sub-variants. Disease severity is much milder than prior iterations of the virus such as Delta or the original Alpha strain. Most importantly we are seeing much less pneumonia with the latest variants. This is important because pneumonia is the leading cause of hospitalization and death from a Covid -19 infection. When you combine this with the fact that most people are either previously vaccinated, previously infected, or both; the disease is not nearly as dangerous as what we were seeing previously.

Therapeutics are also more widely available than ever before and now include oral Anti-Viral Medication (i.e Paxlovid) as well as IV Monoclonal Antibody Therapy. There are pro’s and con’s to each therapy and I am getting a lot of questions about which therapy is best.

Both treatments are effective in preventing hospitalization and death and work best when started as soon as possible after symptom onset. Both are indicated for high risk patients, with mild to moderate illness not requiring hospitalization, within 5 days of symptom onset.

Rebound After Paxlovid Treatment

Unfortunately, I have seen several cases of rebound after Paxlovid treatment and the FDA recently issued a health advisory regarding this phenomenon. What this means is patients who were treated with Paxlovid initially experience resolution of symptoms, test negative, and then experience either a rebound of symptoms or a subsequent positive viral test. Covid-19 rebound typically occurs 2-8 days after initial recovery. This can be aggravating as patients who experience rebound after treatment may experience a longer duration of illness and also are capable of transmitting Covid-19 during this rebound period. This also means they should again isolate during this infectious period.

Fortunately we do not see this with Monoclonal Antibody Therapy which is something to consider when choosing therapy for a Covid-19 infection. Also there are several drug interactions to consider before starting to take Paxlovid so please consult with your doctor before initiating therapy. Monoclonal Antibody Therapy does not have these interactions.

As always if you are sick reach out to your physician about which therapy is best for you. I just wanted to share my experience from what I have seen clinically in the Emergency Department and hopefully help you make the best and most informed decision possible if you should require therapy for an acute Covid-19 infection.

We currently offer At Home Monoclonal Antibody Therapy as well as Telehealth appointments for Paxlovid Prescriptions if you need help coordinating treatment.

Stay Safe.

– Dr. Q

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Blog

The Do’s and Don’ts’s’ Of COVID19 Testing

Do monitor your symptoms

Do monitor your symptoms

Do monitor your symptoms

What Is the PCR Test and How Is It Done?

What Is the PCR Test?

How Is the Test Performed?

Understanding the Test Results

Your Guide to Different Types of COVID-19 Testing

Molecular test (aka RNA or PCR test)

Antibody Test (Aka Serology Test or Blood Test)

Rapid Antigen Tests

What To Do If You’ve Been Exposed to COVID-19?

Know Your Risks

Know Your Risks

Exposed But No Symptoms

Reliable Same Day and Next Day PCR Tests in Miami

Treatment Updates: Paxlovid vs. Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for acute Covid-19 Infection

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