Why Two Tests Are Important

In our battle with the coronavirus, detection of the virus is key.  Up to 30% of the time, the tests results can be incorrect (via swab). It is obvious that getting test results right is important because you can be spreading while you should be self-isolating, especially as some people do not show signs of any illness at all or until they are very ill. This is why Covid SA has two test available.
The swab test works like this…a long flexible cotton swab is guided into the mouth or nasopharynx area and a sample is taken from an in individual. This process is quite comfortable and very brief – takes only a matter of minutes to complete. After the sample is taken, it is sent out to a lab to be tested.
The second way an individual can be tested for Covid-19 is by taking a simple blood sample then sending it away to the lab for testing for antibodies that may be present in the blood. Most patients have detectable antibodies by day 14 after symptoms have started to occur and become more easily able to detect as time goes on.
“When using a single test, the possibility of the test being negative (false negative) is relatively high.  Returning an infected person to your workforce could have huge implications for work missed and for those that are self-insured, medical costs. By utilizing two tests, the probability of having an ill employee returning to work is minimized.” – Dr. Megan Williams
As our city slowly gets back to its previous routine, we need to stay as safe as possible to keep moving forward and not lose all the progress we have made together. If you have employees that will be returning to work or if you feel like you need to be tested for Covid-19, please start the process today. 

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