While cases of COVID-19 have dropped across the United States since 2020, the stubborn coronavirus continues to mutate and infect people of all ages. The latest data tracker results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a daily average of just over 100,000 new cases. In Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reports that there are more positive tests now versus 2021 and 2020 in the same period. Emergency department visits for COVID-like illness now exceed June 2021 and 2020. Some long-term care facilities have reverted to in-room dining restrictions to attempt to stop the spread to this at-risk population.
To help keep you, your family, friends and co-workers safe during a current rise in COVID infections, Think Whole Person Healthcare now offers Rapid COVID PCR Tests. Using our on-site lab, the ultra-fast test is 98% accurate (compared to only 70% with most other rapid and/or traditional tests). And you get results in two hours or less in almost all instances. Our rapid test can also simultaneously check for influenza A and B and RSV.
How Does a Rapid COVID PCR Test Work?
PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction test. The diagnostic test uses a nasal swab to analyze if a person’s upper respiratory sample contains genetic material from the coronavirus. The think PCR test is a molecular in vitro diagnostic test that uses nucleic acid amplification technology. This means the convenient, FDA-approved test detects genetic material, specifically the ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequences in the COVID-19 virus. Searching for the virus at the genetic level ensures the specificity and sensitivity of results—leaving little margin for error.
PCR tests done in the think lab are 98% accurate in positive results for SARS-CoV-2 and 100% accurate for detecting RSV and influenza A and 99% accurate for detecting influenza B. The minimally invasive test takes roughly five minutes to collect and is covered by most insurance carriers.
When Should You Get a Rapid COVID PCR Test?
If you think you were exposed to the coronavirus or you notice any COVID symptoms, you should be tested—even if you’ve been vaccinated and boosted or have already had COVID-19. It may take anywhere from two days up to two weeks after COVID exposure to experience the virus symptoms. Typically, people are most contagious two days before and three days after symptoms first appear.
Being tested as soon as possible and self-quarantining will help stop the spread to others. COVID-19 is sometimes difficult to diagnose correctly without proper testing. Home self-testing can produce incorrect results, particularly if the swabbing is done incorrectly.
Think makes it easy to get accurate testing at our ThinkQuick Walk-In Clinic, open every day of the week: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. A special area in our lobby is designated for individuals who think they may have COVID. Upon arrival, once you notify the think front desk staff, they will notify a thinkQuick provider who can evaluate you and order a test.
Our walk-in clinic treats anyone, even those who are not a think patient or do not have a primary care provider. To learn more about our wide-ranging healthcare services, visit our Services page online and choose your own think medical professionals by visiting our Meet Your Doctor page.
How You Can Reduce the Risk of Getting COVID
Our Douglas County communities and our nation and world are not free from the infectious coronavirus and its variants. We all must continue to stay on guard against contracting the disease and spreading it to others. The Think Whole Person Healthcare team is here to help keep you healthy and safe from COVID-19 and any communicable disease and health concern.
We recommend you wash your hands frequently and wear a mask if you have COVID symptoms, test positive to the virus or are exposed to someone with the virus. Be proactive with your health and wear a mask on public transportation or in certain crowded social settings. Make wise choices on wearing a mask to protect yourself, your loved ones and others where you live, work and play.
If you have any health questions or concerns, please call 402-506-9049 to book an appointment with a Think Whole Person Healthcare physician or schedule an appointment online. Centrally located in Omaha, we offer convenient same-day appointments.