COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 Testing services offered in Dallas, TX

Fast and reliable COVID-19 testing results are essential in keeping your patients and the people closest to them safe. The MD Molecular Diagnostics team uses the latest diagnostic technology available so that reliable results are available in the shortest possible time.

COVID-19 Testing Q & A

What is COVID-19 testing?

COVID-19 testing determines if someone has COVID-19, a disease caused by the highly contagious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Though some people with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms, many cases can be life-threatening. Testing can provide important information to limit transmission and outbreaks in high-risk congregate settings.

When do I need COVID-19 testing?

People who have symptoms of COVID-19 or who have had known exposure to someone with COVID-19 should be tested. A person’s vaccination status does not affect the results of their viral test for SARS-CoV-2.

COVID-19 symptoms include:

Fever
Body aches
Runny nose
Sore throat
Cough
Loss of sense of taste or smell
Diarrhea

Testing is also recommended before visiting people at risk of developing life-threatening symptoms from COVID-19.

MD Molecular Diagnostics also suggests COVID-19 testing before and after traveling and participating in high-risk situations such as large gatherings.

What are the types of COVID-19 testing?

There are two types of COVID-19 testing: molecular tests and antigen tests.

Molecular COVID-19 testing

Molecular COVID-19 testing is more commonly known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This test looks for genetic material specific to the SARS-COV-2 virus. Molecular COVID-19 testing is considered to be the ‘gold standard’ of diagnostic testing and provides the most accurate results.

Antigen COVID-19 testing

Antigen COVID-19 testing looks for specific proteins linked to the virus. These are the types of tests you can do at home. In some cases, you may do antigen COVID-19 testing and then follow up with molecular COVID-19 testing to confirm your results.

Samples for both tests are collected from nasal swabs.

When can I expect results from COVID-19 testing?

Results from COVID-19 testing depend on the type of test you have done. Antigen testing is rapid, providing results within 15-30 minutes. Molecular tests are routinely available within 24 hours.