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COVID-19 Testing FAQs
What is coronavirus or COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a highly infectious, newly discovered viral disease. Though research is ongoing, COVID-19 is spread through droplets of saliva or nose discharge when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Most people who contract COVID-19 only experience mild to moderate respiratory symptoms and do not require serious medical intervention. However, older adults and people with compromised immune system are at greater risk of developing serious respiratory symptoms that require hospitalization.
If you’ re feeling sick and suspect you may have COVID-19, the team at Endocrine Associate of West Village can provide the answers and testing you need.
Is COVID-19 testing free in New York?
The free Covid-19 testing only occurs at a test site run or supported by New York State. In those facilities, there is never any charge for your test. However, not all private medical office testing are covered by NYS and it may go through your insurance benefit for medical office visit. For free covid-19 testing locations and assistance, please call 311 or contact the city hotline for further information.
Who needs COVID-19 testing?
The experienced team at Endocrine Associate of West Village determines if you need a test for COVID-19. You may benefit from COVID-19 testing if:
You were in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19
You have COVID-19 symptoms and want to get tested
You have a history of COVID-19 symptoms
You are a healthcare worker, first responder, or essential worker
You are returning to work and want an antibody test
You are undergoing surgery
You are traveling
You may also benefit from COVID-19 testing if you have concerns about exposure to the virus due to participation in large group gatherings.
What happens during COVID-19 testing?
Endocrine Associate of West Village offers testing for COVID-19 infection such as a Rapid COVID test, RT-PCR test (a molecular test) or an antibody test.
Active COVID-19 testing and RT-PCR testing?
Rapid COVID-19 testing and RT-PCR testing requires a sample of your respiratory secretions. To obtain the sample, the team at Endocrine Associate of West Village may, for example, use a swab to collect secretions from your nose or throat. The team will then provide you with specific instructions on the next steps you need to take based on the results of your testing.
COVID-19 antibody testing (IgG and IgM) ?
What happens during COVID-19 testing?
COVID-19 antibody testing is a blood test that checks for antibodies against the virus. The team only requires a small sample of blood to perform COVID-19 antibody testing.
You may benefit from COVID-19 antibody testing if you previously tested positive for COVID-19 or had COVID-19 symptoms but did not get tested. A positive COVID-19 antibody test means that your body has the antibodies for the infection or similar virus. Depending on which antibody test is performed, it may also mean you are currently active with COVID-19 virus. It’s not currently know if a positive antibody test protects you from reinfection with the virus.
How long does it take to get results?
Endocrine Associate of West Village provides details of how long it takes to get the results from your COVID-19 testing during your appointment. In most cases, results take five days or less and usually within 1-2 days, unless demand is very high, in which it will take longer. Depending on the test requested, the reason for your test and its urgency, there are various options. Some may have an additional out of pocket expense associated with the request if insurance cannot be billed or if you need expedited processing. Please speak with our staff for more information when making your appointment.
The team provides specific instructions on the next steps you need to take based on the results of your testing.
To schedule your COVID-19 testing, call Endocrine Associates of West Village at 718-704-5376, or book online now.
Covid FAQs
CDC information regarding Covid-19
