What is the BD Veritor System for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2?

The BD Veritor System for Rapid Detection of SARSCoV-2 is a type of rapid test called an antigen test. Antigen tests are designed to detect proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19 in nasal swabs. The United States FDA has made this test available under an emergency access mechanism called an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

What are the differences between Antigen tests and PCR COVID-19 tests?

There are different kinds of diagnostic tests for COVID19. PCR tests are the most common type of molecular test to detect genetic material from the virus. Antigen tests detect proteins from the virus. Antigen tests are very specific for the virus, but are not as sensitive as PCR tests. This means that a positive result is highly accurate, but a negative result does not rule out infection. If your test result is negative, you should discuss with your healthcare provider whether an additional PCR test would help with your care, and when you should discontinue home isolation. If you will not have an additional test to determine if you are contagious, the CDC currently recommends that you should stay home until three things have happened: You have had no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of medicine that reduces fevers AND • Other symptoms have improved AND • At least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared. For up to date guidance on home isolation after you had or likely had COVID-19, please consult: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-aresick/end-home-isolation.html For more information, the CDC has provided guidelines on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-youare-sick/steps-when-sick.html.

What are the known and potential risks and benefits of the test?

Potential risks include: • Possible discomfort or other complications that can happen during sample collection. • Possible incorrect test result (see below for more information). Potential benefits include: • The results, along with other information, can help your healthcare provider make informed recommendations about your care. • The results of this test may help limit the spread of COVID-19 to your family and others in your community.

What does it mean if I have a positive test result?

If you have a positive test result, it is very likely that you have COVID-19. Therefore, it is also likely that you may be placed in isolation to avoid spreading the virus to others. There is a very small chance that this test can give a positive result that is wrong (a false positive result). Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine how best to care for you based on your test result(s) along with your medical history, and your symptoms. CDC Recomends:

• STAY HOME: Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
• Separate yourself from other people. As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home.
• Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.
• Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.

When to seek emergency medical attention?

Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

What does it mean if I have a negative Rapid Antigen test result?

A negative test result means that proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19 were not found in your sample. It is possible for this test to give a negative result that is incorrect (false negative) in some people with COVID-19. This means that you could possibly still have COVID-19 even though the test is negative. If you have symptoms and there is still concern that you may have COVID-19 after a negative antigen test, then you could be tested again with a PCR test. A PCR test is a nasal swab test to rule out COVID-19 infection. Your PCR test results will be sent to a lab for review. If you chose not to get a PCR test, then the CDC reccomends you should not be around other until:

• You've quarentined for 10 days since symptoms first appeared and
• You haven't had a fever within 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medications) and
• Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving*

Who should get tested?

• People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
• People who have had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone with confirmed COVID-19.
• People who have taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 because they cannot socially distance as needed, such as travel, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded indoor settings.
• People who have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider, localexternal icon or state ​health department.

I tested positive for COVID-19 but had no symptoms

If you continue to have no symptoms, you can be with others after 10 days have passed since you had a positive viral test for COVID-19. Most people do not require testing to decide when they can be around others; however, if your healthcare provider recommends testing, they will let you know when you can resume being around others based on your test results. If you develop symptoms after testing positive, follow the CDC guidance here for https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/end-home-isolation.html

How much does each test cost?

Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test - $98 self pay Covid-19 PCR Test - $128 self pay

Can you bill my health insurance for this test?

We only accept self pay for this test, but we'll provide you with a reciept and the proper billing codes so you can turn it into your insurance provider for reimbursement. Please keep in mind. In order to qualify for insurance to cover the COVID-19 testing, you must qualify for at LEAST 1 of the following symptoms:

• Fever, chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell
• Dry cough
• Shortness of breath.
• Congestion or runny nose.
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• New rash on toes or feet

I need to be tested as a requirement before I travel

This test may be used for admission to certain states and cities who are restricting travel for citizens from Texas (check with officials at your destination location to confirm). State, local, and territorial governments may have travel restrictions in place, including testing requirements, stay-at-home orders, and quarantine requirements upon arrival. For up-to-date information and travel guidance, check the state and local health department where you are, along your route, and where you are going. Prepare to be flexible during your trip as restrictions and policies may change during your travel. Follow all state, local, and territorial travel restrictions. If traveling by air, check if your airline requires any health information, testing, or other documents. Local policies at your destination may require you to be tested for COVID-19. If you test positive on arrival, you may be required to isolate for a period of time.

When will I recieve my test results?

COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test (Nasal Swab) by BD Veritor:

• Your test results will be available within 15 minutes. You will have the option to either wait in your vehicle for your results, or recieve a call back within 90 minutes after you've tested.

What tests do you offer?

COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test (Nasal Swab) by BD Veritor:

• It's a rapid test (15-minute results) performed with a nasal swab to detect if you are actively infected with Covid-19. Test results are provided by our Pharamcy using the new BD Veritor analyzer, which is FDA Emergency Use Authorization approved.

Do I need to make an appointment?

Yes, we do not accept walk-ins.

What does it mean if I have a negative PCR test result?

A negative PCR test means you were probably not infected at the time your sample was collected. However, it doesn’t mean you won’t get sick – it only means that you didn’t have COVID-19 at the time of testing. It is possible that you were very early in your infection when your sample was collected and that you could test positive later. Or you could be exposed later and then develop the illness. In other words, a negative test result does not rule out getting sick later.