KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — There are two major ways that we test for COVID-19: the antibody tests that are designed to see if you have ever been exposed to COVID-19, and a diagnostic test for people who have symptoms or know of a direct unprotected exposure to someone who has had COVID-19.
Testing is critical for not only knowing if you are positive, but also going into quarantine if you are.
Remember: a bit of discomfort is well worth protecting others.
There are now 166 FDA-approved tests on the market, which is good news.
But due to a shortage of materials, like swabs and reagents, it can take anywhere from two to 10 days to get results back.
Rapid turnaround time is essential to slow spread.



