Understanding Covid
The Taos Community Medical COVID Task Force is a volunteer coalition of local healthcare providers and community partners working to build collaborations to strengthen our local medical response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. In this column, local healthcare providers will be answering common questions about COVID-19 in our community. If you have a question that you would like to submit, please email it to info@taoscovidtaskforce.com. Also, please check out taoscovidtaskforce.com for the latest medical information about COVID-19 in Taos.
FAQs: COVID testing
How do I know if a test is accurate?
The “sensitivity” and “specificity” of a test indicate how accurate it is. Sensitivity measures how often a test correctly gives a true positive result. Specificity measures a test’s ability to give a true negative result. The closer these numbers are to 100 percent, the more accurate the test.
What else can affect a test’s accuracy?
The performance of a test improves when a person has a higher “viral load” or amount of virus circulating in their body. Testing too early in an infection, or right after being exposed to the virus can produce inaccurate results. This is because the person may not have built up a viral load large enough for a test to detect. Testing when someone has no symptoms may also impact the accuracy of a test. Finally, if the sample of saliva or secretions are not collected properly, this can also impact the accuracy of the test.
What is a Molecular/PCR/NAAT test?
These “PCR” tests detect the genetic material of the coronavirus. The sample is sent out-of-town to a major laboratory for results. These tests are highly accurate. They are considered the “gold standard” and can be used on people with and without symptoms. They take longer to process and to report results.
Which Molecular/PCR/ NAAT tests are available in Taos?
These tests are performed at Holy Cross Hospital and the Public Health Office run by the Department of Health. They involve collecting a sample of either saliva or secretions from your nose. They are then sent to major labs in New Mexico like Quest, Tricore, and the State Laboratory. Results are ready in 2-6 days. The Vault and Fulgent brand tests are saliva and nasal tests which are mailed to an outof-state lab. The Curative brand test is a saliva test – it is approved for people with symptoms only and is also sent out-of-state. Results for Curative tests are generally available in 48 hours.
What is an antigen test?
Antigen tests detect the presence of a specific protein that is part of the virus. They can be performed on-site and results are available quickly. Antigen tests are very specific in detecting virus, but they are not as sensitive. This means that positive results are accurate, but there is a higher chance that negative results may not be accurate.
What antigen tests are available in Taos?
There are several antigen tests available in Taos. The Sofia2 brand test is available at Mogul Medical. It is close to 100 percent accurate when done in the first 5 days of symptoms with few false negatives. Results of Sofia2 are available in less than 30 minutes. Walgreens offers the BinaxNow brand test that is also very accurate when done while someone is experiencing symptoms. Results are available the same day. These antigen tests are not as accurate when the person being tested does not have COVID-like symptoms.
What is a COVID antibody test?
Antibody tests are blood tests that check for proteins in the blood that are created by the immune system after an infection with the virus. It takes 2-4 weeks after infection to develop antibodies. When they are present, this shows a past infection or exposure to COVID-19, or vaccination. This test does not give information about an active, present infection.
Where can I get an antibody test in Taos?
Talk with your primary care provider about whether an antibody test is right for you. They can order the blood test that is then sent to an out-of-town lab. It usually takes 5 to 7 days to receive an antibody test result.