COVID-19 Testing
In the ever-changing field of medicine, it’s comforting to know your lab has your best interests in mind so you can provide the highest level of care to your patients. Danner Laboratory has expanded our test menu to offer COVID-19 Antigen Testing.
COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
HOW IT SPREADS
COVID-19 (SARS COV2) is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in many affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.
TESTING
All testing for COVID-19 should be conducted in consultation with a healthcare provider. For initial diagnostic testing for COVID-19, CDC recommends collecting and testing an upper respiratory specimen. Physician will collect a nasopharyngeal specimen, which is the preferred choice for swab-based SARS CoV-2 testing. When a nasopharyngeal swab is not possible, an oropharyngeal or nasal swab will be utilized.
Covid-19 Testing will be performed by Danner Laboratory, Inc., located at 5230 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 114, San Diego, CA 92121. CLIA License Number 05D0699525.
Danner Laboratory utilizes an FDA permitted, PCR-based platform for COVID-19 testing. Although PCR-based testing is highly accurate and the preferred testing method for COVID-19 testing, False Positive and False Negative results can occur. Detection rate of viral concentration at 250 copies/ml is 100%, which is the limit of detection (LOD).
Positive results are indicative of active infection with 2019-nCoV but do not rule out bacterial infection or co-infection with other viruses. The agent detected may not be the definite cause of disease.
Negative results do not preclude 2019-nCoV infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or other patient management decisions. Negative results must be combined with clinical observations, patient history, and epidemiological information.
Danner Laboratory is contracted with most PPO insurances and can bill patient insurance for COVID-19 screening and patients do not incur upfront out of pocket costs for the test. The list price for COVID-19 molecular diagnostic testing performed by Danner Laboratory is $100.