Understanding Your COVID Test Results: A Guide to Interpreting Your iHealth Reports
COVID-19 has been a global pandemic since March 2020. It has disrupted lives and economies and has put the world on hold. COVID-19 testing has become a significant part of controlling the spread of the virus. While getting tested is one thing, understanding the results is another. This guide aims to help people interpret their iHealth COVID-19 test results.
The Different Kinds of COVID-19 Tests
Before diving into how to interpret iHealth COVID-19 test results, it’s essential to understand the different types of COVID-19 tests. There are two primary types:
Antigen Tests
Antigen tests are rapid diagnostic tests performed in clinical settings for a quick determination of active infection. These tests detect specific proteins from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in respiratory specimens such as nasal or oral fluid. Antigen tests can provide results in 15 to 30 minutes.
Molecular Tests
Molecular testing, also known as a PCR test, can detect genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 using respiratory specimens. Molecular tests are designed to diagnose active infection, and their results can take a few hours to a day to become available.
Interpretation of iHealth COVID-19 Test Results
iHealth has several types of COVID-19 tests available, including an antigen test and a molecular test. Both tests come with different results and interpretation for each:
iHealth Antigen Test Results
If you underwent an iHealth antigen test:
- Positive: If your iHealth test came out positive, this means that you have an active COVID-19 infection. You should isolate yourself immediately and follow the CDC’s guidelines for people who have tested positive for COVID-19. You must contact your healthcare provider for further care and advice.
- Negative: If your iHealth test came out negative, this means that the virus was not detected in your body. However, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t mean you are in the clear. You must continue following all preventative measures and guidelines to reduce your risk of getting infected.
- Invalid: If your iHealth test came out invalid, it means that there was an issue with the test. Contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation, and you may need to undergo another test.
iHealth Molecular Test Results
If you underwent an iHealth molecular test:
- Positive: Similar to the iHealth antigen test, a positive result for an iHealth molecular test means that you have an active COVID-19 infection. You must take immediate precautions and follow CDC recommendations for people who test positive for COVID-19. Contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.
- Negative: A negative molecular test result means that the virus was not detected in your body. However, this doesn’t necessarily guarantee that you are COVID-free. You must continue following all preventative measures and guidelines to stay safe. If you are a close contact of someone who has COVID-19 and you get a negative test result, you should still self-quarantine for 14 days after your last exposure and monitor for symptoms.
- Indeterminate: An indeterminate result means that the test didn’t provide a clear positive or negative result. It’s usually due to an insufficient quantity or quality of the sample. In this case, your healthcare provider will order another test.
Conclusion
Understanding your COVID-19 test results is essential in preventing the spread of the virus. Whether you underwent an iHealth antigen or molecular test, it’s crucial to follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC, even if your test came out negative. Preventative measures, such as social distancing, wearing a mask, and washing your hands frequently, are still necessary to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your community safe, despite the test results.
