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COVID-19 Testing in Florida

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In 2020, the world became aware of a serious and deadly virus designated as the COVID-19 virus. This illness created a worldwide pandemic causing approximately deaths 998,048 and thousands of hospitalizations throughout the United States. In the State of Florida, while we have seen certain hotspots occur in south Florida, for the most part, Florida's Department of Health and local counties have responded well and have seen a decrease in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Since the time the COVID-19 virus was identified, much has been learned about the COVID-19 illness and vaccinations have been created by several healthcare providers including Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and others. 

However, so as to ensure that a person is not infected with the COVID-19 virus, even if asymptomatic, many businesses, cruise lines, airlines, entry points of foreign countries, and other public/transportation venues require an antigen or PCR test to determine if a person is negative of the virus.  

Coastal Drug Testing of Florida performs rapid antigen testing and same day result RT-PCR at our Florida testing locations.  These tests are FDA approved and meet all travel and jurisdictional requirements.  We also offer, in home self-administered antigen test kits for personal use.

Listed below is a brief description of the procedure and process of each COVID-19 test.

Antigen Test

Analysis process- This test is intended for the qualitative detection of the nucleocapsid protein (N protein) antigen from SARS-COV-2 and confirms if you are currently infected with COVID-19 (results available in approx. 15 minutes via email)

Collection Procedure- Specimen is collected via a nasopharyngeal swab by rotating the swab against the nasopharyngeal surface, once completed, the technician will place the swab specimen into the extraction tube ensuring all antigen is released from the swab.  A small amount of the sample is then placed into the testing device and our trained and certified technician will interpret the results and send out via email. Results are typically available within 15 minutes.

RT-PCR Test

Analysis Procedure- The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 is a molecular test that analyzes your upper respiratory specimen, looking for genetic material (ribonucleic acid or RNA) of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19

Collection Procedure- Specimen is collected via a nasopharyngeal swab by rotating the swab against the nasopharyngeal surface, once completed, the technician will place the swab specimen into the extraction tube ensuring all antigen is released from the swab.  A small amount of the sample is then placed into the molecular testing device and our trained and certified technician will interpret the results and send out via email. Results are typically available same day.

At Home Collection- Self collected (mid turbinate) nasal swab collected from both nostrils, once the sample has been collected place the swab into the buffer fluid to extract sample from the swab.  Place dispensing tube on the vile and place 3 drops into the testing device.  Set timer and read results at 15 min.  Full instructions/paperwork provided with purchase.  This rapid antigen test is self-administered and does not qualify for medically professional required test results, also not valid for travel.  This test in intended for personal use only.