What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new coronavirus identified in 2019. Coronavirus is a collective term for viruses that cause various types of respiratory infections such as the common cold and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
The virus that causes COVID-19 is known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Though most people experience mild to moderate symptoms, COVID-19 may lead to serious health complications for those with risk factors, such as a preexisting condition.
The virus spreads easily and has affected millions of lives throughout the world. Coronavirus testing is one of the ways health care providers and public health officials are tracking the disease to help stop the spread of the virus.
What is COVID testing?
COVID testing at Test 4 Free is an efficient, five-minute test that can help you and your family get tested for the contagious virus to help stop the spread. The team at Test 4 Free performs a nasal swab to collect your specimen for testing.
They use the molecular-based rT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) diagnostic panel to test your sample. This test carries the highest sensitivity for detecting COVID-19, decreasing your risk of a false negative.
Who should have COVID testing?
Test 4 Free offers no-cost coronavirus testing for people of all ages, including the uninsured. You should consider getting tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Loss of taste or smell
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Sore throat
You should also get tested if you think you’ve been exposed to the virus. Getting tested early may prevent further spreading of the virus.
What happens during COVID testing?
At the time of your test, the team at Test 4 Free reviews what you can expect during your COVID testing. The test takes only five minutes, and you should get your results within a few days.
During your nasal test, your provider at Test 4 Free inserts a swab in your nostril and collects a sample of mucus and saliva from your nasopharynx, which is the area at the back of your nose near your palate. Your provider may collect samples from both nostrils.
Once your sample is collected, your provider secures your swab in a tightly sealed specimen bag and sends it to the lab for testing.
Your provider talks to you about when you can expect results and the steps you can take in the meantime to protect yourself, your family, and your community.
