RAPID Covid Testing

A rapid COVID test gives you immediate answers about any symptoms you have or the results of a recent COVID-19 exposure. Cross Hope Treatment Centers in Mountain Home and Pine Bluff, Arkansas provides rapid COVID testing with results in just 15 minutes. If you have symptoms or have been around someone with COVID-19, call the nearest Cross Hope Treatment Centers or book an appointment online today.

What is rapid COVID testing?

Rapid COVID testing, also called antigen testing, is a type of test to detect a COVID-19 infection by detecting specific protein fragments from the virus. The test involves collecting a fluid sample from your nostril. 

Your provider at Cross Hope Treatment Centers collects a sample by twirling a swab around in your nostril. This process can be slightly uncomfortable or it may tickle, but it isn’t painful. 

Once they have an adequate sample of mucus, your provider can test the sample for proteins from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Just as the name suggests, a rapid test provides almost immediate results so you don’t have to wait overnight worrying about your possible infection. 

When should I get rapid COVID testing?

You should get a rapid COVID test at Cross Hope Treatment Centers if you know you’ve been exposed to an infection from someone else or if you have COVID-19 symptoms yourself. Common COVID symptoms are:

• Nasal congestion
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• Digestive symptoms

Many of these symptoms aren’t solely linked to COVID-19, but testing can rule out the possibility so you can move on to getting other diagnostic tests.

What should I do after I receive results of a rapid COVID test?

A rapid test has a quick turn-around for results, with results typically available in about 15 minutes at Cross Hope Treatment Centers. Here’s what you need to do according to your results:

For negative results

A negative test is good news, but it doesn’t fully rule out the possibility of an infection. You should repeat testing 24-48 hours later just in case. The more negative test results you get, the less likely you are to have COVID-19. Your provider might recommend other tests if you still have symptoms.

For positive results

A positive result of a rapid COVID test means an infection is present. You should self-isolate for five days after getting a positive result, and after that, you should retest. You should also let the people close to you know so they can test if they’ve been around you. 

If you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, call Cross Hope Treatment Centers or book an appointment online for rapid COVID testing today.