What is the main purpose of a diagnostic test?

• There is more on this topic coming soon, but receiving a negative diagnostic test should not be used as an “okay” to get together with family and friends or attend holiday gatherings. Negative diagnostic tests do not 100% guarantee that someone does not have COVID-19. However, in conjunction with a two week self-quarantine, a negative test can be a good indicator that a person does not have the virus – but there is always a certain level of risk.
• Some testing centers are also turning away people who have not had a known COVID-19 exposure or who do not currently have symptoms. 

Can I test out of quarantine?

• The CDC recently changed their guidelines on quarantine. While they still strongly recommend that most people quarantine for 14 days, they recognize this can be very challenging. Under some circumstances people can be released from quarantine after 7 days with a negative test in the previous 48 hours and NO symptoms. It is ALWAYS BEST to quarantine the full 14 days to reduce onward transmission. But if there are ample tests (which is not really the case right now with soaring numbers), it can be a possibility for some people. 

What tests are currently available?

Three major tests are currently available for COVID-19: the PCR test, the Antigen test, and the Antibody Test. The differences between the tests can be difficult to differentiate – especially because each test goes by a few names. The table below outlines how the tests differ from one another. To be sure of what test is best for you, or what test you received previously, consult a healthcare professional or the organization who provided the test.

 For more information about testing, visit this link.