Diagnosis of COVID-19 involves molecular or antigen tests.
Who Can Get Tested?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to issue evolving recommendations for getting tested.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
If specifically recommended by an official or provider you should get tested.
The CDC recommends contacting your healthcare provider before getting tested.
Several companies are now offering at-home COVID-19 tests with quick results as well.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
It can detect even small amounts of this genetic material in the collected sample.
Molecular tests are extremely sensitive, so a positive test result is almost never wrong in detecting COVID-19.
Antibody Tests
An antibody test is used to look for the body’s immune response to SARS-CoV-2.
Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose an active infection.
Results
If your test is positive: This means that you have been infected by the virus.
But it doesnt necessarily mean that COVID-19 is the only cause of your illness.
A co-infection with another virus or bacteria could be causing your symptoms as well.
You should monitor your own health for signs of COVID-19 infection.
Your examination will include assessing your breathing.
The doctor will also check your temperature for a fever.
Chest Sounds
Your exam will include evaluation of your chest sounds.
Lung infections and lung disease can cause characteristic changes in chest sounds such as crackling or wheezing.
Your doctor can hear these sounds with a stethoscope.
Advanced lung infections can make you short of breath and may make it difficult to breathe.
This is a sign of advanced lung disease or a severe infection.
A rate above 12 to 20 breaths per minute is considered high for an adult.
Keep in mind that these tests arent used todiagnoseCOVID-19, but may be needed if the effects become severe.
Both sides of the lungs are usually involved about equally.
This is a relatively common pattern seen with other lung infections too.
The symptoms dont necessarily distinguish the illnesses from each other.
However, the infection can be severe even if you are otherwise healthy.
Feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty are normal during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Being proactive about your mental health can help keep both your mind and body stronger.
Learn about the best online therapy options available to you.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.A Closer Look at COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CDC 2019-novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) real-time RT-PCR diagnostic panel.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of Coronavirus.
Peng YD, Meng K, Guan HQ, et al.
