Rhea Medical Center & COVID-19 Testing

RMC is now offering COVID-19 molecular diagnostic/screening testing and antibody testing.

COVID-19 Antibody Testing

Antibody testing is done by a blood draw.  This test can show if you had a previous COVID-19 infection depending on the timing of the infection or if you may be in the latter stage of a recent infection.  Antibodies may take 1-3 weeks after infection onset in order to rise to detectable levels.  The test may not reveal antibodies in someone with a current or recent COVID-19 case.

This test is resulted typically within 24 hours.

It is still for certain if antibody detection to the virus can protect someone from getting infected with COVID-19 again, or how long that immunity to COVID-19 might last.

Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose a current case of COVID-19. This should be performed by a nasopharyngeal swab to test for viral shedding.

COVID-19 Molecular Diagnostic Testing

The molecular respiratory panel includes COVID-19 testing for symptomatic patients. This panel tests for the DNA/RNA of 22 respiratory pathogens including COVID-19 virus.  This test is performed by a nasopharyngeal swab & is usually resulted the same day.  This test is for current infection only.

COVID-19 Molecular Screening Testing

RMC still offers screening & diagnostic testing through our reference laboratory.  This is performed by molecular testing & the specimen is collected using a nasopharyngeal swab.  Results are typically received in 2-3 days.  This test is only for current infection.

Sample collection can be done at your physician’s office & submitted to RMC.

Our team of physicians & NPs at Rhea Medical Physician Group can select the proper test that needs to be performed.  Doctors Payne, Svendsen, & Yager will collect specimens at their offices.  Please call for an appointment.

If you feel that you need urgent attention, the RMC Emergency Department is available 24/7.