There are two types of Rapid COVID Testing; 1) Antigen or ‘swab testing’, and 2) Antibody or serological testing.
The Rapid Antigen Test (swab) is a type of COVID-19 test that is used as a screening test to quickly identify individuals who could potentially have COVID-19 by the presence of the virus protein. The ‘anterior nasal swab’ goes mid-way up the nose, so it might be less uncomfortable than the traditional COVID-19 test. It is less accurate than the Rapid Antibody Test (blood sample), which is used at Assessment Centres.
A Rapid Antibody Test (finger-tip blood sample) is extremely accurate at detecting the incubation period of the COVID-19 virus from 0 to 6 Days, 7 to 12 Days or 13+ Days. Serological tests do not detect the virus itself. Instead, they detect the antibodies produced in response to an infection. Serology tests are also known as antibody tests. Asymptomatic people will likely test positive for this test and then be asked to immediately contact Ontario Public Health (OPN).
The Rapid COVID Test is a new tool in our toolkit that adds an extra layer of protection, in addition to all other public health measures, such as daily screening, physical distancing, cohorting, masking, hand hygiene, etc. Identifying individuals with COVID-19 will help to reduce introduction and spread within the household, school and community settings. It is important to note that low community transmission is a key factor in keeping schools open for in-person learning.
Is there a reason why the Mobile Care Rapid COVID Testing clinics are not being offered everywhere?
JhovannaCare – Mobile Care Rapid COVID Testing was developed under the concept of being able to bring ‘peace of mind’ and results to the doorstep of your home or business in a matter of hours.
Testing is being prioritized in neighbourhoods with higher rates of transmission, higher case numbers, and in areas of the city where access to current testing programs may be challenging. But there is a need for this education, information and service of care are urgent times. Rather than standing in line or waiting hours for a test and then another 2-3 business days for the results … JCare comes to you and gives you your results and peace of mind in less than 15 minutes!
Rapid tests more accurately provided a positive COVID-19 result when administered during the first week of symptoms. Researchers have found that rapid tests correctly identified COVID-19 in an average of 78.3 percent of cases during the first week. In the second week, the average dropped to 51 percent.
Most results of the Mobile Care Rapid COVID Testing are present within minutes, but our service is fully guaranteed inside of 15 minutes every test.
For individuals who are tested and do not have symptoms or recent high-risk exposures, you do not need to self-isolate. If you are positive you will receive a ‘PPE Positive Kit’ to immediately put on, you will then be asked to contact Public Health and Self Isolate.
If COVID-19 is not detected in my Mobile Care Rapid COVID Test result, are there any additional steps my household and I need to take?
If you have one or more symptom(s) of COVID-19, you will need to self-isolate until you receive the results. If you were previously notified that you are a high-risk contact of an individual who tested positive for COVID-19, you need to continue your self-isolation period as directed by Ontario Public Health (OPH). Please continue to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 as well as complete and follow the direction provided in the Ontario Public Health (OPN) screening tool before entering school or work.
If the rapid test result is positive, what additional steps do I need to take? Why is a second test required?
If an individual’s Mobile Care Rapid COVID Test result is positive, the individual and their household members will all be asked to take a second Rapid Antibody Test to confirm the results. Individuals with one or more symptoms of COVID-19 and/or have been recently exposed to an individual with COVID-19, should all consider Mobile Care Rapid COVID Testing. Individuals will be directed to isolate at home. Further instructions will be provided to you at the time of testing.
Smoking any kind of tobacco reduces lung capacity and increases the risk of many respiratory infections and can increase the severity of respiratory diseases. COVID-19 is an infectious disease that primarily attacks the lungs. Smoking impairs lung function making it harder for the body to fight off coronaviruses and other respiratory diseases. Available research suggests that smokers are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 outcomes and death.