Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWho Can Get Tested?Types of TestsSelf-ChecksPhysical ExaminationLabs and TestsImagingDifferential DiagnosisNext in COVID-19 GuideCOVID-19 Treatments: What You Need to Know
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Who Can Get Tested?
Types of Tests
Self-Checks
Physical Examination
Labs and Tests
Imaging
Differential Diagnosis
Next in COVID-19 Guide
As 2020 rages on, the novel COVID-19 has spread worldwide, resulting in growing numbers of infected individuals and mortality throughout the U.S.
Since March, COVID-19 testing availability in the U.S. has increased rapidly, and wait times for results have shortened. Now that researchers have discovered a wide asymptomatic spread of the virus, testing recommendations have vastly changed as well.
Known exposure to someone who has been infected with the virus, experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or even attending large gatherings may raise concerns and prompt diagnostic testing.Because the virus has spread across the entire U.S., it is likely that a person could have been exposed unknowingly, so monitoring exposure and regular testing is now paramount.
Diagnosis of COVID-19 involves molecular or antigen tests. Once someone has been diagnosed with COVID-19, additional diagnostic tests may be done to determine the severity of the infection.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to issue evolving recommendations for getting tested.
Situations in which they recommend you seek a COVID-19 test include:
Are Coronavirus Tests Free?
The indications for testing for COVID-19continue evolving as more information is being gathered about this infection.
Steps to Getting Tested
COVID-19 testing is now much more widely available across the U.S. than at the start of the pandemic. Now you can find testing available at most local pharmacies likeWalgreensandCVS, as well as at your doctor’s office, orlocal testing sites.
If you think you may be sick but haven’t talked to a healthcare provider yet, use our printable Doctor Discussion Guide below to help prepare you for your appointment.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Doctor Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
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Diagnostic Molecular Tests
Since these types of tests are typically performed in specific labs, getting results back can be a slow process, taking anywhere from 2 days to over a week, depending on cases in your area.
Diagnostic Antigen Tests
Antigen COVID-19 tests, or rapid tests, typically provide results faster than a molecular test, but they also have a higher chance of missing an active infection. They can provide results within minutes, however, compared to a molecular test, more of the virus needs to be present in order to test positive. Sometimes, if an antigen test comes back with a negative result, your healthcare provider may ask you to complete a molecular test to confirm the result.
Antibody Tests
An antibody test is used to look for the body’s immune response to SARS-CoV-2. While the blood test typically provides quick results, it is only good for determining if you had the disease not if you have a current infection. Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose an active infection. Experts currently do not know if antibodies give you protective immunity against the virus, so you should not use antibody test results to determine if you have immunity to the virus.
You should not use antibody test results as an indication to stop taking protective measures like social distancing and wearing masks.
Results
Your own assessment of your risk of infection involves staying up to date on your exposure risk. If you have been to places where the illness has been identified or if you have interacted with people who were infected or exposed to the virus, you could be at risk and should seek out a test.
Again, because the virus is spreading rapidly throughout the United States and the whole world, you could have been exposed without knowing it.
You should monitor your own health for signs of COVID-19 infection. Things to look out for include:
Keep in mind that some of these symptoms are common and can occur withsinusitis,pneumonia,bronchitis, or any viral or bacterial respiratory infection, including the flu.
Because severe cases of COVID-19 infection can cause pneumonia,acute respiratory distress syndrome, kidney failure, and even death, it is important that you are especially vigilant about any rapid decline in your health or sudden worsening of symptoms.
The CDC also recommends looking for potential emergency warning signs that require immediate medical attention, including:
When you go to see your doctor, they will perform a medical history and a physical examination. Your examination will include assessing your breathing. The doctor will also check your temperature for a fever.
Chest Sounds
Your exam will include evaluation of your chest sounds. Lung infections and lung disease can cause characteristic changes in chest sounds such as crackling or wheezing.
Your doctor can hear these sounds with a stethoscope. Keep in mind that the presence or absence of abnormal breath sounds doesnotconfirm or rule out an infection with COVID-19.
Your Breath Sounds
Evaluation of Respiratory Distress
Your doctor will check for respiratory distress and signs of dyspnea (shortness of breath). Advanced lung infections can make you short of breath and may make it difficult to breathe.
If you are struggling to breathe, your doctor may notice that you are using accessory muscles to help you as you inhale. This is a sign of advanced lung disease or a severe infection.
Tachypnea
Sometimes lung problems can cause you to breathe rapidly (tachypnea), which is a sign of severe lung disease. A rate above 12 to 20 breaths per minute is considered high for an adult.
Causes of Tachypnea
Depending on your symptoms, additional tests may be needed to evaluate possible complications of your infection. Keep in mind that these tests aren’t used todiagnoseCOVID-19, but may be needed if the effects become severe.
Chest imaging studies, including chest X-ray and chest computerized tomography (CT) may show changes with COVID-19 infection, but these changes are not specifically diagnostic of this infection, and can be present with other lung conditions like pneumonia and bronchitis.
One of the challenges when it comes to COVID-19 infection is that it presents in a way that is very similar to other viral and bacterial respiratory infections, including colds, the flu, andstrep throat. The symptoms don’t necessarily distinguish the illnesses from each other.
Your doctor may order a flu test or atest for strep throatif you seem likely to have these other illnesses based on your exposures and risk factors.
Is It Flu or COVID-19? Here’s What To Expect if You Get Sick
A Word From Verywell
However, the infection can be severe even if you are otherwise healthy. Keep in mind that you may still be at risk of newly contracting the infection even after you have a negative test that doesn’t show evidence of the virus.
Feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty are normal during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being proactive about your mental health can help keep both your mind and body stronger. Learn about the best online therapy options available to you.
The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.A Closer Look at COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CDC 2019-novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) real-time RT-PCR diagnostic panel.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of Coronavirus.
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