As of August 26, 2020, Main Street Medical is now offering Rapid and PCR
COVID-19 testing
Abbott Rapid ID Now testing is done in the COVID building outside our office for those who meet the following two criteria:
- Healthcare Worker/Essential Worker (ie police, firefighters, EMS)
OR High-risk persons or their direct caregiver
- Age 65 and older
- Those the CDC designates are at high risk for severe illness due to the following medical conditions, regardless of age:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system)
- Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 or higher)
- Serious heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Others chronic conditions such as asthma, hypertension and Cystic Fibrosis
OR at Provider Discretion
- Experiencing two or more of the following symptoms for at least 24 hours:
- 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
Main Street Medical offers two types of COVID-19 testing.
- Viral Testing: Tests for currentinfection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infection. The throat or nose is swabbed and the specimen is sent to a lab or analyzed on the spot with Abbott Rapid ID Now testing.
- Laboratory test results are available in 2 to 5 days. Stay home until you have results with instructions. Self-pay costs $125 for the office visit and test is billed directly from the lab.
- Abbott Rapid ID Now testing is available as recommended by the provider for those who meet the above criteria. Self-pay costs $225.
- Antibody Testing: Tests for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infection. This test indicates if you had COVID-19 in the past. A blood sample is taken and sent to a lab. Results are available in 3 to 5 days. This test is most accurate when at least 14 days have passed since you had symptoms. Self-pay costs $125 for the office visit and labs are billed directly from the lab.
For assessment of symptoms and next-step direction, set up a visit with a medical professional by calling 843-681-3777 or logging on to our website to requet an appointment. An office visit does not guarantee a rapid testing will be performed. Patients coming to a Main Street Medical must call upon arrival in the parking lot to check in for a visit.
What do my viral tests results mean for me?
If you are told you have a positive viral test, most likely you currently have an active COVID-19 infection and you can give the virus to others. Follow instructions from your provider about isolation and when you can leave home.
If you are told you have a negative viral test, most likely you do NOT currently have an active COVID-19 infection. However, there is a small possibility the result is a false negative. Continue taking steps to protect yourself and prevent spread of the virus.
What do my antibody tests results mean for me?
Results from antibody testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude COVID-19 infection, or to inform infection status.
Positive antibody results
- This test has not been FDA cleared or approved. This test has been authorized by FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). This test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. 360bbb-3(b) (1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner. This test has been authorized only for detecting the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. —LabCorp
- A positive antibody test result indicates you likely had a COVID-19 infection.
- A positive test may be due to past or present infection with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, such as coronavirus HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E.
- There is also a possibility of a false positive if it’s unlikely you had COVID-19 based on your exposure history or symptoms.
Negative antibody results
- A negative antibody test result indicates you likelynever had (or have not yet developed antibodies to) a COVID-19 infection.
- Negative test results do not rule out COVID-19 infection, particularly if you have been in contact with the virus.
- Viral testing should be considered to rule out infection in negative individuals who have been in contact with the virus. Ask your healthcare provider about this test.
What is an antibody test?
Antibody tests look for specific proteins, called antibodies, your body made in response to an infection. Antibodies can be found in the blood of people who are tested after infection, and indicate an immune response to the infection. However, we do not know if the antibodies that result from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infection, will provide immunity from a future infection or the duration that protection would last. Scientists around the world are conducting studies to better understand the level of antibodies needed for protection, the duration of that protection, and the factors associated with whether a person develops a protective antibody response.
Who may benefit from antibody testing?
- A person who would like to know if they have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
- A person who has recovered from a COVID-19-like illness in the past who would like to know if the illness was possibly from SARS-CoV-2
- A person who has a close contact that finds out they had COVID-19 in the past.
- A person participating with a medical facility collecting convalescent plasma with antibodies from people who have recovered from COVID-19 infection.
Do I need to be concerned about exposure if I have antibodies?
Due to the lack of evidence to support protective immunity, if you are exposed, monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow-up with your healthcare provider. Be sure to continue to follow federal, state, and local government guidance regarding social distancing and isolation. If you are a healthcare professional, first responder, or other frontline worker, talk to your employer for specific occupational health guidance. Continue to use masks and other personal protective equipment as appropriate.
Main Street Medical is still seeing patients for other illness, injury and work-related testing or exams.
Upon arrival, please remain in your vehicle and call Main Street Medical at 843-681-3777 to check in and for further instructions.
We appreciate your patience as we work to bring you the best care possible during these trying times.
Prevention Information
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
- Practice social distancing (6 feet separation between people)
- Wear a cloth face cover in public places
