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COVID-19 Testing

Ladera Urgent Care Our Services COVID-19 Testing

Ladera Urgent Care

Urgent Care located in Ladera Heights, Los Angeles, CA

COVID-19 testing can confirm your diagnosis and help you know if you need to take steps to keep yourself and others safe. If you show symptoms, like fever, breathing issues, or cough, or you’ve been exposed to someone who’s tested positive, contact the board-certified physicians and practitioners at Ladera Urgent Care in the Ladera Heights area of Los Angeles, California, for a COVID-19 test. Call the friendly office staff today or book an appointment online.

COVID-19 Testing

What is COVID-19 testing?

Coronaviruses cause illnesses as minor as the common cold and as life-threatening as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes COVID-19, a disease that’s highly contagious and spreads quickly.

COVID-19 testing is a specific diagnostic test that determines if you’ve been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you should quarantine and tell those you’ve spent time with. That way, they can get tested and help control the spread of the virus.

What symptoms indicate that I should get COVID-19 testing?

COVID-19 symptoms are similar to other viral upper respiratory infections. You can experience:

  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Runny nose
  • Congestion
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Tiredness

Another common symptom is losing your senses of taste and smell. You can also have the virus without showing symptoms.

Are there other reasons I should get COVID-19 testing?

In addition to having symptoms, you’ll need to get tested if you:

  • Are exposed to someone who tested positive for the virus
  • Traveled
  • Attended a crowded event
  • Need to show test results for school, work, or other places

High-risk areas include places where many COVID-19 cases have been reported and vaccination rates are low. If you participate in sports outings or concerts where people aren’t wearing masks, the Ladera Urgent Care team recommends that you be tested.

Are there different types of COVID-19 testing?

The three most common tests are:

Rapid test

The rapid test is also called an antigen test. Your provider takes a nasal or oral swab. In many cases, they get the test results back in 15 minutes.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test

The PCR test is a viral or molecular test that requires a sample from your nose. The swab removes fluid from your nasal cavity, and the test looks for genes from the virus. You usually get your test results back in 24 hours.

Antibody test

This test determines if you have antibodies from a prior COVID-19 infection. Antibodies help you fight off future infections. Your results typically come back within 48 hours.

If you have severe symptoms of COVID-19 that include struggling with your breathing or tightness in your chest, you should go to a hospital emergency room immediately.

To learn more about COVID-19 testing, book your appointment by phone or online today.

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