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Does Urgent Care Do Rapid COVID Testing?

Male medical worker in full protective gear administering a COVID-19 nasal test to a male patient outdoors.

If you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19, we highly encourage you to get tested today. Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care – Houma offers convenient, rapid COVID-19 testing for everyone.

Along with rapid testing, we offer more extensive molecular (PCR) and antibody testing to verify whether you’ve ever had COVID-19 in your body. 

Even if you’re not symptomatic or haven’t been exposed to someone with COVID-19, testing is essential to stop the spread of the virus, especially if you plan on traveling or gathering. Both PCR and rapid testing are great options for a safe return to school, sports, and work.

Don’t delay results; get tested today. 

How is COVID-19 detected?

The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, can be detected in two ways during active infection. They include rapid antigen testing or molecular testing. 

After infection, COVID-19 can be detected by using an antibody test that shows whether you’ve ever had the virus in your system. 

Antigen Test

An antigen test detects the presence of COVID-19 antigens in your body. Antigen tests are administered using a nasal swab inserted into one or both of your nostrils. They are easy to use and rapid, providing results in as little as 1 day. Antigen tests are most accurate during the first 5-7 days of symptom onset. 

It is important to recognize that inaccurate results are known to occur with antigen testing. The best backup to a negative antigen test is a molecular test. 

When taking an antigen test, you should remain in quarantine until your symptoms subside, even if your test is negative. 

Molecular Test

A molecular test works by detecting the molecular material of the virus in your body. After sample collection in the office, your test is analyzed in a laboratory to determine the presence of COVID-19 molecular markers. This test is performed using a nasal swab in one or more nostrils. 

Molecular test results are almost 100% accurate, and results are typically confirmed within 3-5 days. 

Antibody Testing

An excellent option for those who may have been exposed or asymptomatic during infection, the antibody test works to detect COVID-19 related antibodies in your body. This test is performed by a simple blood draw, and results are generally available within a week or less. 

Who should get a rapid COVID-19 test?

Anyone who believes they may have COVID-19 in their system should get tested. Those who know they have been directly exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should be tested right away. Rapid test results provide confirmation within 1-3 days. It may also be required to receive a COVID-19 test to safely return to school or work or before or after a trip.

Symptoms of COVID-19

COVID-19 symptoms vary and range from mild to severe. In fact, some people may not experience any symptoms at all.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Chills
  • Loss of taste and smell
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle and body aches
  • Headache
  • Congestion
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Sore throat

If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, you should stay home, get tested, and quarantine until results are received, and your symptoms are gone. Although similar to the flu, COVID-19 is more contagious, so it’s vital that you remain away from others. 

If a positive rapid test is received, you should be quarantined for 10 days from the onset of your symptoms, or a positive test, and at least 24 hours since your last fever.  We gladly offer rapid COVID-19 testing 7 days a week at Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care – Houma, for any reason at all. Cash pay options are available for both active testing options. We encourage you to walk in, schedule an appointment online or contact us for more information on COVID-19 rapid testing.

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