ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay Offers Five Different COVID-19 Tests — Two for Live Virus, Three for Antibodies — And How to Choose Right One For You
ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay is now offering two live virus tests and three antibody tests for COVID-19, but which one is the right one for you?
If you are concerned about being infected now, maybe even contagious, then you want a live virus test. These tests detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) by looking for the virus’ molecular signature directly. Typically, these tests use a nasal/oral swab or saliva sample.
If you test positive with a live virus test, you are carrying virus right now and should be assumed to be contagious, even if you are experiencing mild or no symptoms. If you test negative that means no virus was detected, though in some cases a physician’s judgment or further evaluation is needed to understand if your results may be a false negative.
There are two live virus testing methods which differ primarily in accuracy and how long results take to process.
The first is an Antigen Rapid Test, which requires a nasal or other swab, with a 24-hour turnaround time, a 94% true positive rate, 100% true negative rate, no doctor’s order is required, $130.
The second is a PCR NAAT Lab-based test, which also requires a nasal or other swab, with a 2-to-5-day turnaround time, a 99% true positive rate, 100% true negative rate, a doctor’s order is required, $130.
The third is a Combination Antibody Test (IgG+IgM+IgA), one-to-four-day turnaround, two-plus weeks recommended time since exposure, Semiquantitative value, 100% true positive rate, 99.8% true negative rate, $180.
If you have questions about ARCpoint Labs COVID-19 testing, go to www.labtestmonterey.com or call (831) 324-0772. You always speak directly to a local testing expert at ARCpoint Labs.
