There are several different types of tests being marketed for COVID-19 testing. The tests organized by the Ohio Department of Health are SARS CoV2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. This is the primary method for diagnostic testing. However, availability of this test is limited due to not enough testing supplies and the available tests are prioritized to only hospitalized patients, health care workers, or patients with known contact with another person who has tested positive for COVID-19. You may have also heard about antibody testing. This type of testing detects two different antibodies (IgM/IgG) to the corona virus. The concern about this test is that we do not have enough data to feel confident in the interpretation of these results for the following reasons:
- There may be crossover with other corona virus strains that could result in a false positive.
- There can be a negative test in the first 6-7 days of symptoms, resulting in a false sense of security which may result in spreading the virus to others.
- Even if an antibody is detected (a positive result) the results do not have clear implications in terms of contagiousness or risk of spreading illness.
We are actively comparing options and will let you know if there is a test that is more readily available to you, our patients, in which we have confidence!
Dr. Lori Gordley, DO 