COVID 19 Testing

Types of COVID tests:

• Testing for COVID-19 - Nose Swabs: 
  
  • There are Antigen and PCR (DNA/NAAT) testing for Covid-19 infection.  PCR is more accurate and will show up positive earlier than an Antigen test.  PCR will also stay positive after someone has had Covid, for up to 3 months.   If you had Covid, you do not test again to prove that its gone.  Antigen testing is more reliable if you are sick and will be positive during your most contagious days of illness.  If you are not sick, Antigen testing is not a good screening test because you have a higher chance of a false positive.
    

• Antibody Testing for Covid-19:  A Blood Test:
  
  • there is no indication for antibody testing presently except as directed by a physician for diagnosing Covid-related active symptoms or for research based, community testing. The antibody test results are not fully accurate and additionally, the results are not well understood. It is not known if a positive antibody test confirms immunity to Covid-19.

• Testing for COVID-19 at Kiwi * - we are conducting Rapid Antigen and Covid PCR testing by appointment.
  
  • The PCR tests go to Quest or Labcorp. Results take 1-3 days, usually 2 days.  We can PCR test patients and family members.
    
  • The Rapid Antigen tests take 15 minutes and are for sick kiwi patients. We currently cannot Antigen test family members due to supply shortages. (this can change).
    
    • Both tests are an anterior nose swab (very well tolerated by children!). 
      
    • It is conducted outside and by the parent or older child with our instructions and supervision. 
    • Please call  Kiwi for an appointment or any questions.

  *Omicron testing: due to the nature of omicron, we recommend testing two times 48-72 hours apart with rapid antigen test kits if your first test is negative.  This will reduce the chance of a false negative result.

Other COVID-19 Testing Sites