Our Services / Covid-19 Test

What is a COVID-19 test?

A COVID-19 test may check for a current or past COVID-19 infection.

The types of COVID-19 tests include:

Viral test

A viral COVID-19 test checks for an active COVID-19 infection. During the test, your provider at Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine collects secretions from the back of your nose or throat and sends the specimen to the lab to look for signs of active COVID-19.

Antibody test

The antibody COVID-19 test checks to see if you had COVID-19. It is a blood test that looks for antibodies your body produced after infection. The team only recommends the antibody COVID-19 test if you have no symptoms of COVID-19. 

When do I need a COVID-19 test?

Your provider at Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine can help you determine when you need a COVID-19 test and the type of test you need. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a viral test for anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, such as:

• Fever
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Loss of taste or smell
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Runny nose

The CDC also recommends the viral test if you were in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or you’re unvaccinated and participated in high-risk activities such as attending a large social gathering. 

If you suspect you had COVID-19 but never got tested when you were sick, then you may consider the antibody test. 

What happens during a COVID-19 test?

A lab technician reviews what you can expect during your COVID-19 test at your appointment. The specifics may depend on the type of test you need. 

For the viral COVID-19 test, your provider inserts a swab in your nose to collect the specimen needed for testing. Swabbing is quick. 

For the antibody COVID-19 test, your provider draws a sample of blood from your arm. 

When can I expect results from my COVID-19 test?

The team at Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine tells you when you can expect your COVID-19 results at the time of your test. For the viral test, results may take a few hours or a few days, while the antibody test results may take up to a week.

The team recommends you quarantine yourself if they suspect you have an active COVID-19 infection until you get the results. They provide additional instructions based on the results of your testing. 

To schedule your COVID-19 test, call Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine, or book an appointment online today.