If an individual contracts COVID-19, they may test positive for several weeks, even after their infection clears up and symptoms are no longer present. The persistence of a positive result (repeated positive results from multiple tests) depends on which test was used. This is because the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is more sensitive than the rapid antigen tests that can be administered at home; PCR test results may also need to be sent to a lab for confirmation, whereas rapid antigen tests can return results in a matter of minutes.

Yes, it is possible to test positive for COVID-19 after symptoms disappear, however, this depends on the type of test being performed, as some are more sensitive than others. After receiving a positive result, there is no need to test again; the initial result is enough confirmation. When symptoms abate, which is typically 10-14 days after the first onset of symptoms, the individual is considered noncontagious and can resume normal activities.

After being exposed to a known case of COVID-19, it is recommended to wait at least five days before getting tested. The exception to this rule is if there are symptoms present; in this case, the individual should get tested right away.

If the test comes back positive, it means that viral material from the coronavirus has been detected, and symptoms are likely to occur. If the test returns a negative result and the suggested amount of time (five days) was adhered to before taking the test, it means that there was no viral material detected, and therefore no infection of COVID-19. However, even after a negative result, if symptoms of COVID-19 do occur, it is imperative to get tested as soon as possible in order to determine the cause of the symptoms.

There are many cases of asymptomatic individuals, which refer to people who test positive for COVID-19 but do not exhibit any symptoms of the disease. There is much debate in the medical industry on whether or not the infection can be transmitted between individuals, but the current research suggests there is no evidence for asymptomatic transmission, an important revelation in the present understanding of COVID-19.

At League Health, we offer the following types of COVID-19 tests:

– Same-Day PCR Test — PCR, which stands for a polymerase chain reaction, is a quick and accurate test that can detect minute fragments of viral DNA.

– Rapid Antigen Test — Antigen tests are great because they are quite reliable and can return results within only a few minutes.

If you or someone you love is exhibiting symptoms related to COVID-19, come to League Health to confirm the diagnosis. Call us today or book an appointment at our COVID-19 testing clinic, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 23541 Westheimer Parkway, Suite 160, Katy TX 77494. We serve patients from Katy TX, Cinco Ranch TX, Richmond TX, Houston TX, Cypress TX, Fulshear TX, Memorial City TX, and Sugarland TX and surrounding areas. We look forward to serving you!