COVID QUESTIONS
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of our lives one way or the other. Many people have already been infected with the new coronavirus while others are concerned they may have it. Coronavirus disease has multiple symptoms. Perhaps the most common are cough and fever, but headaches, myalgia, fatigue, and GI symptoms have also been reported.
FAQs
Getting a swab for COVID-19 testing is important in adults and children. We understand that many parents are concerned about their children getting a nose and throat swab for COVID-19.
The important thing is for the parent to remain calm while we acquire the swab for COVID-19 testing. Children are more likely to become fussy if they notice that their parents are worried or anxious. Explaining the process of getting COVID-19 swab testing in Houston, TX, to the child will also help. After the swab, it would be a good idea to give them a reward or a treat.
Coronavirus testing using the COVID-19 swab test in Houston can identify 70% of patients with coronavirus. This is the test’s sensitivity. It can also identify 95% of those without COVID-19, which is known as the specificity. Swab testing is our preferred method of testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If your swab test results are negative, but the doctors still suspect that you have coronavirus disease, you will most likely be required to self-isolate or be admitted, and another COVID-19 swab test in Houston will have to be acquired to confirm that you’re negative.
Our goal is to provide our patients with accurate nasopharyngeal swabs in Houston. We do this by making sure our testing kits are FDA approved and that the people performing the testing are well-trained. Our staff has gained plenty of experience through testing dozens of patients every day.
The nasal swab test works by obtaining a COVID-19 nasopharyngeal specimen. The virus is located in the nasopharynx. By using a swab, we collect a sample from that area and test it for viral particles.
If you think you might have COVID-19, you need to look for COVID-19 testing near you. At Memorial Heights Emergency Center, we see patients 24/7. Give us a call, and we’ll help you determine whether or not testing is required and how to get tested.
Provider administered swab tests are those that you can get at Memorial Heights Emergency Center. Trained professionals will carefully obtain a nasopharyngeal sample using a swab. The sample is sent for PCR testing, which detects viral particles and can help confirm or rule out the diagnosis of COVID-19.
The swab is a long soft stick with cotton at the end of it. The goal is to get the cotton part to your nasopharynx to obtain a sample. It will feel like the back of your throat is being tickled. Some patients experience mild discomfort. We’ll do everything we can to keep you comfortable while getting tested.
No, a doctor’s order or note isn’t required for COVID-19 testing. If you think you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with a confirmed case, you should get tested. For more information on whether or not you should get tested, call us.
You can get COVID-19 swab tests in Houston here at Memorial Heights Emergency Center. We test dozens of patients each day for COVID-19. All the precautions are taken to protect our patients, and the emergency center is constantly being cleaned and sterilized for the safety of our patients and staff.
We’ll begin by wearing the necessary protective equipment before obtaining the sample. Next, we’ll tilt your head backward and insert a very thin tube with cotton at the end of it through your nose. The tube is pushed until the cotton reaches the back of your throat. It’s then gently twisted before being pulled out.
There are several measures that you can take to protect yourself from getting COVID-19. Avoiding gatherings and maintaining social distancing while outside is important. You should wear a face mask while outside and wash your hands frequently. Avoid touching your face with your hands while outside.
The COVID-19 swab test is necessary because it’s our best method of diagnosing COVID-19 right now. Patients who have COVID-19 symptoms like fever, cough, headache, fatigue, body aches, and others should get tested. If you were recently in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient, you should also look to get nasal swab testing for COVID-19.
People looking to get tested for COVID-19 in Houston, TX, can visit us at Memorial Heights Emergency Center. We work 24/7 and can always see patients. We have nasal swab testing available.
It takes less than 5 minutes to get tested. A thin tube with cotton at the end will be used to acquire the sample from the back of your throat. This is where coronavirus is present in the body. The swab is then sent for PCR analysis so we can check it for viral particles. Acquiring the sample itself takes a couple of minutes.
Nasopharyngeal swab testing for COVID-19 is recommended for people who have been in close contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested so we can promptly diagnose you, and you can begin self-isolating and receiving the recommended treatment.
The swab for COVID-19 is used to collect a sample from the nasopharynx. The head is tilted back, and the swab is gently inserted through the nose until it reaches the nasopharynx. The swab is then twisted a few times and gently pulled out.