What Are the Types of Tests and Should I Be Tested?
What are the types of tests?
There are two types of testing: diagnostic testing and antibody testing:
- Diagnostic (Virus) Testing: to detect whether you are currently infected with the COVID-19 virus
- Antibody Testing: to detect whether you were previously infected with the COVID-19 virus
Diagnostic (Virus) Testing: A health care provider such as your doctor may recommend diagnostic testing if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Antibody Testing: Antibody testing is being used to understand the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community, for plasma therapy to treat infected patients, and to help develop a vaccine.
A doctor may recommend the antibody test if you believe you were infected with COVID-19. Antibody test results could also help guide your doctor in making decisions about your care. Antibody testing does not tell you if you are immune to COVID-19.
Who Should Be Tested?
We strongly encourage anyone who is experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID19, or anyone exposed to a known COVID19 positive individual (without PPE), to immediately contact their health care provider to get diagnostic (virus) testing. Additionally, we recommend that you talk to your health care provider about whether you should be tested for the virus or antibodies.
In New York State, the Department of Health has authorized diagnostic testing for individuals who meet one or more of the criteria under Can I Be Tested?, which includes all health care workers regardless of symptoms.
The site also includes a screening tool to share your symptoms and pre-register for testing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has a free self-checking tool to help you make decisions around testing and receiving appropriate medical care.
A note for employees who do not live in New York: Guidance on who should be tested varies by state.
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