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covid 19 antibody test

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COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 Testing Now Available

Aspire Regenerative is helping in the fight against COVID-19 by offering viral and antibody testing for patients. We have a variety of testing options offering the ability to use insurance or cash to cover COVID-19 testing.  All testing is available through Clinical Laboratory
Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified labs in compliance with the Federal Drug Administration's (FDA) emergency use authorization.

covid 19 tesing

Viral testing is completed via a nasal swab to collect viral particles from a person to rule in or out an infection.  This procedure takes less than 15 minutes to complete.  We carry both the anterior nares swab, similar to a standard cotton swab, and the nasopharyngeal swab.  Both swabs are considered equivalent valid techniques to acquire samples by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

The antibody testing is a standard blood draw that takes less than 20 minutes. Antibodies detected by this test indicate that a person has had an immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and cover those who may have had symptomatic and asymptomatic infections.

If you currently have flu-like symptoms and/or fever please quarantine at home for 14 days & until symptoms have subsided and contact emergency services if the condition worsens.

We are always happy to take questions and give guidance, feel free to give us a call at  888-852-7747 or fill out our online contact form.

 

 

Want more? Click below for a full list of our concierge packages!

Packages

General Testing fAQs:

What are the testing options for COVID-19?

Antibody testing via a venous blood draw or finger stick and nasal swab testing for symptomatic or asymptomatic infection.  

 

What is the difference between testing methods?

Antibody testing tells you whether you have been exposed to the virus in the past and is NOT used to diagnose a COVID-19 infection.  Viral swab testing tells you whether you currently have a COVID-19 infection regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms.  

Are the tests FDA approved?

No.  At this time, there are no COVID-19 tests that are currently FDA approved.  Companies are submitting their validation data to the FDA and are being granted the ability to market their test for commercial use under the emergency utilization authorization (EUA).

Is COVID-19 testing being covered by insurance?

COVID-19 testing has been federally mandated under the CARES ACT, here is a breakdown of coverage

  1. Medi-Cal:  COVID-19 testing should be covered in full.  
  2. PPO:  COVID-19 testing should be covered in full.   
  3. HMO:  COVID-19 testing as an out-of-network provider is most likely to be covered.  The patient will most likely receive a letter stating an out of network provider ordered the test but the patient is unlikely to be billed due to the emergency nature of the pandemic.  This information is intended to be the current best understanding of a constantly evolving situation.  Insurance is controlled by third party entities and we CANNOT guarantee their billing practices and procedures.  

What are the COVID-19 testing cash prices?

Antibody testing Cost:   $42.13-$125

Viral testing Cost:  $100-$150 

Is mobile testing available?

Yes, see below for the available locations. 

Where is testing being provided?

Testing for asymptomatic people can be delivered at a few different locations.  We can test onsite at Aspire Regenerative (in UTC area of San Diego) or we can do mobile testing at the company/institution or a designated site.

 

 

 

Viral Testing FAQS

What is the purpose of the COVID-19 viral (swab) test?

This is the only test that can diagnose a symptomatic or asymptomatic patient.  This test is used to confirm COVID-19 cases in hospitals and urgent care centers.  Companies are using this test as part of their reopening strategy to establish a baseline and catch individuals who may come into the office asymptomatic and unknowingly spread the virus to other employees.  Any positive employees would be asked to quarantine at home and seek medical services as appropriate.  

Is viral (swab) testing painful? Appropriate for kids?

There are multiple swabs that are used depending on the lab and manufacturer.  The nasopharyngeal swab is generally the swab people are referring to when they talk about pain or discomfort.  This swab is inserted through the nostril all the way to the junction of the throat.  Generally it is considered uncomfortable but not generally painful.  The anterior nasal swab is used to swab the front portion of the nose and is the most comfortable form of swab.  The anterior nasal swab is easier to use with children.

Does the anterior nasal and the nasopharyngeal swab work equally effectively?

Yes, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) considers the swabs to be equally effective in acquiring virus particles and therefore detecting COVID-19.    

 

Antibody Testing FAQS:

What is the purpose of COVID-19 antibody testing?

It helps to determine if a person is immune to the virus and can answer the following question:  Was the cold or flu I had in late 2019/early 2020 the result of COVID-19?  Many businesses are using this data point to determine what level of immunity exists within their company to inform their reopening strategy. 

 

I have heard antibody testing isn’t accurate, is this true?

While some tests show poor validation data, there are many on the market that show excellent sensitivity and specificity in the range of 96-100%.  Exact numbers can be provided for the specific test being used.  

These are two of the tests that are used in our clinic.  

Roche Antibody Test:  Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 AB has a 99.8% specificity and 100% sensitivity.  

Abbott Antibody Test:  Abbott Alinity i SARS-CoV-2 IgG 99.4% specificity and 100% sensitivity.  

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