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Are you concerned about COVID-19 symptoms or exposure? Do you need a test for travel, school, an event, or work? Pulse-MD can help. We perform NAAT molecular, RT-PCR, rapid antigen, lab-based PCR, and antibody tests at our six Hudson Valley locations. Pulse-MD Urgent Care is a CLIA Waived Lab listed by the NYSDOH Wadsworth and CDC.
A viral test is a nasal swab test that looks for evidence of an active viral infection. If you are experiencing upper respiratory symptoms consistent with those of COVID-19 (cough, fever, body aches, fatigue, recent loss of taste), a viral test can help determine if you have coronavirus.
We offer the following viral COVID-19 tests:
Please contact your insurance provider to understand your out-of-pocket expenses.
A PCR test checks for the virus’s genetic material, while an antigen test looks for specific proteins on a virus’s surface. We offer both, including the rapid antigen COVID test called the Sofia 2 SARS Antigen FIA by Quidel. This antigen test can produce results in as little as 15 minutes, and has been approved for emergency use authorization (EUA) by the FDA. However, there may be a higher false negative with the rapid antigen test, and we recommend also getting a PCR nasal swab to confirm results. Lab-based PCR swabs are sent out to Quest Labs, and we ask all patients to stay in Quarantine until PCR results come back and are able to confirm results.
Antibody blood tests, also called serologic tests, check for the presence of antibodies to coronavirus in the blood, and are used to detect a past infection. IgM and IgG are immunoglobulins produced by the immune system to protect against COVID-19. The level of IgM antibody begins to rise 1 week after the initial infection, while the rise in IgG usually appears after 14 days. Elevated IgG levels can last for 6 months or even several years. By testing for the presence of these antibodies, we are able to determine if a patient was previously infected by the coronavirus. The test does not diagnose an active infection, nor does it guarantee immunity.
If you are NOT symptomatic then most insurance companies may apply a co-payment or deductible to your test which would be your responsibility to pay. Please contact your insurance company regarding your cost for the test. The self pay cost for a Rapid antigen test is $100 which includes the cost of the virtual visit and test. We also offer a same day RT-PCR test for $250.
SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain of coronavirus that was first identified in December 2019. It has caused a worldwide pandemic of respiratory illness, called COVID-19.
COVID-19 spreads easily from person to person, through droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. COVID-19 symptoms can range from very mild to severe. It’s possible to have just a few symptoms, or no symptoms at all.
Symptoms include:
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, or have been in close contact with someone who tested positive, it’s important to get tested. You may also need a test after high-risk activities such as travel or attending a large gathering, or be referred to get testing by a healthcare provider, local, or state health department.
The incubation period (the time between exposure to the virus and symptom onset) is generally 5-6 days, but can take up to 14 days. For this reason, you should self-quarantine and wait at least five days before getting tested. The virus may not be detectable in your system in early stages. If you have COVID-19 but get tested too soon, your result could come back negative, even though you have been infected.
You should self-quarantine at home pending test results, and follow the advice of your healthcare provider. Minor cases of COVID-19 can be treated at home. Get rest, stay hydrated, and take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better. Be sure to monitor your symptoms carefully. If your symptoms get worse, call your healthcare provider immediately. Patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) require hospitalization and supportive care.
Call 911 or go straight to your local ER for the following severe COVID-19 symptoms:
This is not a complete list. Call your medical provider for any symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Notify the 911 operator or call ahead to the ER to let them know that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.
People of any age can get COVID-19. People who are older or who have an existing medical condition have a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19. Serious complications such as pneumonia, severe lung conditions, heart problems, organ failure, blood clots, and additional infections can occur.
Medical conditions that may increase your risk for COVID-19 complications include:
The FDA has given emergency use authorization for three COVID-19 vaccines, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
A vaccine offers protection from the illness by creating an antibody response in your body. If you do still get COVID-19, vaccination will help reduce the severity of your illness and lower the risk of serious complications.
You can also reduce your risk of infection and slow the spread of COVID-19 by taking the following steps:
Sick with COVID-19, or think you might be? Here are some basic steps to care for yourself and protect others.
After a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 with symptoms, most people can safely be around others when the following are true:
If you had a positive COVID-19 test result, but no symptoms, you can end isolation 10 days after your positive viral test. If your healthcare provider recommends additional testing, they will let you know when you can resume being around others based on your test results.
Patients with severe COVID-19 and immunocompromised patients might need to stay home longer than 10 days and up to 20 days after symptoms first appeared. Talk to your healthcare provider for information.
If you had close contact with someone with COVID-19, you should stay home for 14 days after the last exposure to that person. This does not apply to vaccinated persons or those who have had and recovered from COVID-19 within the last 3 months.