Frequently Asked Questions

Coronavirus: Group of RNA viruses that cause a variety of disease in humans and animals. Corona is Latin for crown and the virus is named for the crown-like spikes on the surface of the virus.

COVID-19: The World Health Organization designated name for the disease. It stands for coronavirus disease 2019

SARS-CoV-2: The actual name of the virus that causes COVID-19. It stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

A positive test confirms a diagnosis of Covid-19.

Research is being done currently to answer this question. Since COVID-19 is a new virus, we still don’t know how long antibodies will stay in our system after the infection or if they will be effective in preventing reinfection.

You can be with others after:

• 24 hours with no fever and
• Respiratory symptoms have improved (e.g. cough, shortness of breath) and
• 10 days since symptoms first appeared
• Depending on your healthcare provider’s advice you might get tested to see if you still have COVID-19.
• CDC Guidelines

If you continue to have no symptoms, you can be with others after:

• 10 days have passed since the test
• Depending on your healthcare provider’s advice you might get tested to see if you still have COVID-19.
• If you develop symptoms after testing positive, follow the guidance above for 'I think or know I had COVID, and I had symptoms.'
• CDC Guidelines

Our lab partners are performing both the PCR testing and the antibody testing under a FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

People with conditions that weaken their immune system might need to stay home longer than 10 days. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information. Testing may be recommended by your healthcare provider.

It is important to remember that anyone who has close contact with someone with COVID-19 should stay home for 14 days after exposure based on the time it takes to develop illness. Please also notify your healthcare provider.

Appointments made in the morning will most likely be seen in the afternoon the same day.

We offer two tests:

• Viral PCR - A swab test to determines presence of COVID -19 virus which is indicative of a current infection
• Antibody test - A blood draw test detects COVID-19 antibodies indicative of prior exposure to the virus

Yes

The PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) is a technique used to make millions to billions of copies of a specific genetic material sample rapidly. This allows a swab containing a very small sample of the virus to be amplified to a large enough amount to study in detail. A positive test confirms a diagnosis of Covid-19.

An antibody tests detect antibodies that the body produces to fight the virus. Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are made in response to an infection. Antibodies are proteins that helps attack the virus and kill it. Upon exposure to a virus the body starts making antibodies. Antibodies are in the blood stream.

Viral PCR testing is approximately 99% accurate.

Antibody testing is 100% specific. This means that if you test positive, you have antibodies and there is no chance that the positive results are a mistake (zero false positives)

We are providing testing to the greater Los Angeles area. Due to the high demand some areas may not be available at the times requested. For those who need testing on those days, our Drive Thru can likely accommodate them.

No

We do not contract with insurance companies. Depending on the type of insurance you have, a portion of the test may be covered, please contact your insurance provider for further information. Reimbursement is subject to your insurance provider’s determination.

Yes. We also understand that there are patients who prefer to seek out free testing centers in the city. For free testing please visit the LA County testing website. There are also various public health organizations that might be helpful as well.

We will contact you with your COVID-19 PCR results. As with any other medical test, you should discuss your results with your primary care physician. We follow all HIPAA compliance measures.

We follow all HIPAA compliance guidelines when storing and accessing your personal information.