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A doctor's assistant places a tube containing a throat swab sample into a bag
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

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.