What to do after obtaining a Viral Swab test
It is absolutely necessary as per the CDC to remain in quarantine until you have received your COVID-19 Viral Swab test result.
- If you test positive for COVID-19, know what protective steps to take if you are sick.
- If you test negative for COVID-19, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. This does not mean you will not get sick:
- A negative test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing or that your sample was collected too early in your infection and that you can still test positive later during illness. If you test negative on the Sofia Rapid Antigen test, the results should be confirmed with a Molecular PCR nasal swab test. If you test negative on both tests it may be a false negative or too early to test.
- You could also be exposed to COVID-19 after the test and then get infected and spread the virus to others.
- If you develop symptoms later, you may need another test to determine if you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.
COVID-19 PCR Molecular and Antibody testing will be sent to Northwell Health Laboratories.
CDC's Guidelines - When to QuarantineCDC's guidelines to protect yourself and others
CDC's Information about how COVID-19 spreads