General COVID-19 FAQs

See below for some of our most frequently asked questions!

COVID-19

See below for some of our most frequently asked questions!
What Is Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus disease (also called COVID-19) is an infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus), one of the most recently discovered types of coronaviruses. Those who have this disease may or may not experience symptoms, which range from mild to severe.
How Does COVID-19 Spread?
COVID-19 spreads easily from person-to-person, even when an infected person is not showing symptoms. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, droplets containing the virus go into the air. These droplets can be inhaled or land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, exposing them to the virus.

People may also be exposed to COVID-19 by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth after touching a surface with the virus on it. Although this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, researchers are still learning more about COVID-19.

Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. The most common symptoms include:

Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. The most common symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Cases of COVID-19 range from mild to severe. Some people who are infected don’t have any symptoms and don’t feel sick. Most people have mild symptoms. Visit the CDC website for more information about symptoms.

PCR Testing

See below for some of our most frequently asked questions!
Should I Isolate While Waiting For My PCR Test Results?

While waiting for your test results, you should stay home and avoid others to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19. Let other members of your household and your immediate contacts know that they should quarantine or get tested. Continue to watch for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and follow the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) on what to do if you’re sick.

Specifically, you can follow these steps while waiting for your test results:
-Stay home and monitor your health
-Review locations and people you’ve been in contact with in the past two weeks
-Answer the phone call from the health department

What Is A False Negative COVID-19 PCR Test Result?

The test can show a negative result even if you are infected with COVID-19*. This can happen if:
-It is too soon for the test to detect the virus.
-There was a problem with your sample or the test itself.
No test is 100% accurate at all times.
-If your results are negative and you’re having symptoms, continue to follow isolation precautions and ask your healthcare provider if you need further testing.
-If your results are negative and you don’t have any symptoms, continue to monitor for any symptoms up to 14 days after your last possible exposure.

*Although the possibility is low, a false negative result should be considered if you have had recent exposure to the virus along with symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

What Is A False Positive COVID-19 PCR Test Result?

This test can show a positive result even if you are not infected with COVID-19. This can happen if there was a problem with your sample or the test itself. These tests have been designed to minimize false-positive results. If you are concerned about the accuracy of your results, ask your healthcare provider if you need further testing.

General Test FAQs

See below for some of our most frequently asked questions!
How Do I Know If The COVID-19 PCR Test Is Accurate And Reliable?

COC Consulting only uses COVID-19 tests that have received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). These authorized tests minimize the chance of inaccurate, false positive, or false-negative results. The FDA has found that tests that meet certain standards are of superior quality and have high sensitivity and specificity* (measurements of accuracy).

COC Consulting will not use tests that have been shown to have low sensitivity and specificity. For additional information, please reach out to the lab directly.

Actual sensitivity and specificity may vary between test manufacturers. A sample that is not properly collected may also result in an inaccurate result.

What Is The Difference Between An Antibody Test And A PCR Test?

An antibody test checks to see if you’ve developed antibodies against COVID-19, which occurs after being exposed to the virus. Antibody tests do not show whether a person is currently infected.

PCR tests check for genetic material (viral RNA) produced by the virus. It determines if you’re recurrently infected and can spread COVID-19 to others.

When Would I Get An Antibody Test Vs. A PCR Test?

You should get an antibody test if you’ve been previously exposed or believe you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 and want to see if you have developed antibodies.

You should get a PCR test if you think you have an active COVID-19 infection

Visit the CDC website for more information.