Urgent PCR Test | FastLab

COVID-19 testing is now a regular part of life for many people across the country. As the Omicron variant emerges as the dominant strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, both the unvaccinated and vaccinated increasingly rely on a weekly (sometimes daily) testing to work, travel, or generally interact with the community.

Lincoln Urgent Care is dedicated to providing our patients with the best healthcare options available. As of January 2022, there are two major categories of tests available to the public: PCR testing and antigen testing. Both are considered "diagnostic tests," meaning that either will be able to tell you if you are infected with coronavirus at the time of testing.

While CDC guidelines on isolation and/or quarantine will continue to evolve, understanding how these tests work is information to know. Many of our patients want to understand: what is the difference between PCR and antigen testing?

WHAT IS A PCR TEST? We discussed in our last post on the topic: "A polymerase chain reaction (urgent PCR test) test is performed to detect genetic material from a specific organism, such as a virus. The test detects the presence of a virus if you are infected at the time of the test. The test may also detect pieces of the virus even after you are no longer infected.

PCR determines if the virus is present by looking for the presence of the virus's genetic material.

Most of the time, PCR tests are extremely accurate; the only drawback is the time between running the test and getting a definitive answer.

After a sample is collected (usually by deep nasal swabbing, although throat or saliva samples can also be tested), it is sent to the laboratory for processing. This process typically takes 1 to 3 days.

We are pleased to offer PCR testing with results in 2-3 days. For those looking to get results more quickly, we suggest our new Accula SARS-CoV-2 test and a nasal swab, where we can return your PCR test results in as little as 30 minutes.

WHAT IS AN ANTIGEN TEST? According to Harvard Medical School.

"Antigen tests detect specific proteins on the surface of the coronavirus. They are sometimes called rapid diagnostic tests because they can take less than an hour to obtain test results.

Positive results from antigen tests are highly specific, which means that if you test positive you are most likely infected."

Antigen testing, while providing results in 15-30 minutes with high accuracy, can have a higher false negative rate than PCR testing (urgent PCR test). Once infected, the patient "clears" the

viral load from his or her system; these levels can vary greatly throughout the course of the infection. If the test is performed too early (or too late), it can result in a false negative, but antigen testing will detect active infection. Antigen testing is still considered the main line of defense because it provides results in minutes, requires no lab processing, and costs less out of pocket. You can even do antigen testing at home: the Department of Health and Human Services will now send you four for free if you visit CovidTests.gov (tests are expected to ship within 7 to 12 days).

However, you don't have to wait. Come see us and we can perform on-site antigen testing at Lincoln Urgent Care.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PCR AND ANTIGEN TESTING Generally, the differences are technique, time, and use. The cost often varies as well.

An antigen test is a rapid test, while PCR testing traditionally takes a few days to return results.

An antigen test looks for specific proteins found on the surface of the virus, while a PCR test looks for and amplifies the presence of the virus DNA material.

PCR tests are preferred/required for international travel.

Our price for an antigen test (fee) is $150; for PCR, the test is $200.

We offer both PCR and antigen testing at Lincoln Urgent Care.

PCR RAPID TEST LINCOLN, CA Lincoln Urgent Care can now also perform rapid PCR testing by appointment. This new test returns PCR results in as little as 30 minutes. If you do not see availability on our appointment portal, it means our schedule is full. Please continue to check our online openings, as we do our best to keep up with demand.