We are currently performing COVID-19 testing (including PCR nasal swab and rapid Antigen nasal swab). You can set up an appointment via our website or come on in as a walk-in. Testing will be performed in your vehicle.
The nasal swab test looks for evidence of an active viral infection. If you are currently experiencing upper respiratory symptoms consistent with those of COVID-19 (cough, fever, body aches, fatigue, recent loss of taste), or have been in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus, visit our Newport Beach urgent care center today! We can perform a simple swab PCR test that detects genetic material of the virus.
Antibody blood tests, also called serologic tests, check for the presence of antibodies to coronavirus in the blood. It can be used to detect a past infection. IgM and IgG are immunoglobulins produced by the immune system to protect against COVID-19. The level of IgM antibody begins to rise 1 week after the initial infection, while the rise in IgG usually appears after 14 days. Elevated IgG levels can last for 6 months or even several years. By testing for the presence of these antibodies, we are able to determine if a patient was previously infected by the coronavirus. The test does not diagnose an active infection or identify who is protected from reinfection.
You can also receive expert medical care and advice from the comfort of your home with our new Telemedicine service. Call us during business hours at 949-752-6300 to schedule a virtual visit. You’ll be face to face with a provider in no time.
COVID-19 is a new virus strain that has only spread in people since December 2019. It belongs to the same family of virus as the common cold, SARS and MERS. However, it seems to be more contagious than these related coronaviruses. According to current evidence, COVID-19 virus primarily spreads through airborne respiratory droplets, close contact, and contaminated surfaces.
Reported cases of COVID-19 range from mild illness to severe pneumonia that requires hospitalization. Older adults and immunosuppressed persons are at higher risk of complications. Some carriers experience no symptoms at all.
There is not a treatment for COVID-19, other than supportive care. Medical teams and researchers around the globe are working tirelessly to develop a vaccine and treatments. However, a vaccine likely won’t be available for another year. Until then, we will need to utilize wide-spread testing, quarantines, and social distancing to minimize the number of people who contract the disease.