COVID-19 Screening & Testing
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, text "covidhelp" to 325-216-4824 or click here to take the COVID-19 Screening. The online screening may be taken more than once, especially if symptoms have worsened. Click here to view an explanatory graphic of the Hendrick Health COVID-19 Screening & Treatment process.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Based on your screening results, you will be given patient education or you will be directed to our Call Center. If you need further care, our Call Center will schedule an appointment for you at our Screening Clinic. Every patient who completes the screening will receive COVID-19 patient education.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Testing
If you feel you need to be tested for COVID-19, please complete the screening above. Click here for an infographic about COVID-19 testing.
Types of COVID-19 Testing, Explained
Currently, there are two main types of testing associated with COVID-19. They include diagnostic tests and antibody tests.
- A diagnostic test is exactly that – a test used to diagnose active coronavirus infections. Healthcare facilities and providers use two different diagnostic tests to determine infection. The Molecular (RT-PCR) test is the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19. It detects the virus’ genetic material through a nasal swab. The collected sample is sent to a lab for results.
- An antigen test, also referred to as a rapid test, detects specific proteins on the surface of the virus through a nasal swab. Test results are returned much quicker. However, these tests can produce false negatives and a PCR test might be ordered to confirm an active case of COVID-19. A physician will decide to confirm negative results based on an individual’s symptoms, if they persist.
- An antibody test is a serology test that looks for antibodies that are made by the immune system in response to the virus. Antibodies can take several days or weeks to develop after an infection, and may stay in the blood for several weeks after recovery. Antibody tests are used to find out if an individual has already had the virus. It is not to be used to diagnose an active infection. This test uses a blood sample for signs of a prior viral infection.