HOW TO TEST FOR COVID-19

An acquaintance contracted COVID-19; so far, she is three days in and has body aches and fever- symptoms currently managed at her home. News of her illness ricocheted in our community. “When did you last see her?” echoed continuously. We were told her family “tested negative for acute infection.” However, on further questioning, none received a nasal or saliva swab…
Her immediate family got a COVID-19 blood test... for active viral load? A blood test administered by a nurse practitioner to diagnose an active infection sent me in a tailspin of google searching. Is there a blood test currently available in the USA to diagnose this acute infection? In short NO. Absolutely not.

Here’s The scoop:
1)The COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Blood Test, otherwise known as the “antibody test”, is intended to indicate recent or prior infection. At this time, it is unknown for how long antibodies persist following infection and if the presence of antibodies confers protective immunity.
The COVID-19 antibody blood test should not be used to diagnose acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. It merely lets you know if your body at some point fought the viral intruder.
2) Diagnosing an Acute Infection, when you can actively spread the virus to others, requires your saliva or a nasal swabbing:
a) Most tests look for the viral genetic material, and require a nasal swab.(This is considered the most accurate way to diagnose an infection, but it’s not perfect: The swab has to get a good enough sample so any virus can be detected.) Other genetic tests use saliva, instead of a swab.

b)A newer type of test looks for proteins found on the coronavirus’s surface, rather than the virus itself. These “antigen tests” are just hitting the market, and experts hope they’ll help expand testing and speed up results. They still require a nasal swab by a health professional.

There is currently no serum (Blood) test available for an acute infection of the virus that causes COVID-19.

I called the local health department, informing them of the situation. They confirmed the family needs a nasal swab or saliva test to look for active infection and will send an investigator to the health practitioner’s office to clarify/educate them on management of patients.
Stay safe everyone, don’t let down your guard. We are almost through this thing!

Mask up. Social distance. Wash Your hands. Sanitize. This too shall pass.