BZD SERVICES
COVID-19 DIAGNOSTICS
BZD Labs operates CLIA Labs that are licensed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). BZD Labs has expertise processing three (3) types of COVID-19 tests quickly and professionally for accurate analysis suiting a variety of individual and organizational needs:
- Molecular PCR Testing – Lab Analysis – ‘The Gold Standard’
- Antigen Testing – Point of Care Analysis
- Antibodies Testing – Point of Care Analysis
LAB ANALYSIS
Molecular testing of samples (or PCR Tests) are highly reliable for detecting the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus and are the gold standard in Covid-19 testing for accuracy. They are used to detect an active COVID-19 infection, and samples for the identification of SARS-COV-2 RNA are collected from upper respiratory generally using nasal swabs. PCR results are available in 24-48-hrs, and typically under a day from receipt at the lab for analysis.
Molecular PCR technology is considered the ‘gold standard’ for Covid-19 Testing, which BZD labs generally conducts through analysis of nasal swabs. The testing method has approximately 98% sensitivity in detecting Covid-19 infections through this molecular viral methodology, which leads to a lower number of false negatives and false positives with a higher degree of confidence. Molecular results would be considered a definitive result for active infection over antigen results.
POINT OF CARE ANALYSIS
The results of an antigen test are available in about 15-20 minutes, so they are a great way to rapidly check status when someone believes they’ve been in contact with a person with active Covid-19 infection. (*) These tests can be facilitated at a variety of sites, and telemedicine supports their use in at-home environments under supervision when needed. (**)
POINT OF CARE ANALYSIS
Antibodies tests can assist in identification of past or prior (resolving) SARS-CoV-2 infection but are NOT appropriate for use to diagnose acute infection. Antibodies tests detect the presence of COVID-19 antibodies in blood and require the collection of a small blood sample for rapid analysis. Results are ready in approximately 20 minutes.
COVID-19 DIAGNOSTICS
BZD Labs operates CLIA Labs that are licensed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). BZD Labs has expertise processing three (3) types of COVID-19 tests quickly and professionally for accurate analysis suiting a variety of individual and organizational needs:
- Molecular PCR Testing – Lab Analysis – ‘The Gold Standard
- Antigen Testing – Point of Care Analysis
- Antibodies Testing –Point of Care Analysis
MOLECULAR PCR TESTING
LAB ANALYSIS
Molecular testing of samples (or PCR Tests) are highly reliable for detecting the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus and are the gold standard in Covid-19 testing for accuracy. They are used to detect an active COVID-19 infection, and samples for the identification of SARS-COV-2 RNA are collected from upper respiratory generally using nasal swabs. PCR results are available in 24-48-hrs, and typically under a day from receipt at the lab for analysis.
Molecular PCR technology is considered the ‘gold standard’ for Covid-19 Testing, which BZD labs generally conducts through analysis of nasal swabs. The testing method has approximately 98% sensitivity in detecting Covid-19 infections through this molecular viral methodology, which leads to a lower number of false negatives and false positives with a higher degree of confidence. Molecular results would be considered a definitive result for active infection over antigen results.
ANTIBODIES TESTING
POINT OF CARE ANALYSIS
Antibodies tests can assist in identification of past or prior (resolving) SARS-CoV-2 infection but are NOT appropriate for use to diagnose acute infection. Antibodies tests detect the presence of COVID-19 antibodies in blood and require the collection of a small blood sample for rapid analysis. Results are ready in approximately 20 minutes.
ANTIGEN TESTING
POINT OF CARE ANALYSIS
The results of an antigen test are available in about 15-20 minutes, so they are a great way to rapidly check status when someone believes they’ve been in contact with a person with active Covid-19 infection. (*) These tests can be facilitated at a variety of sites, and telemedicine supports their use in at-home environments under supervision when needed. (**)
Important Result Considerations – Antigen Covid-19 Negative:
* NOTE: The FDA recommends repeat testing following a negative result whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms.
** NOTE Results from PCR tests are considered the definitive result when there is a discrepancy between the antigen and the molecular test.
*** NOTE: if a patient received a negative Covid-19 test result from an antigen test but has persistent symptoms of COVID-19, repeating the test or having a molecular test performed is recommended.
[See FDA Safety Communication (August 2022) – At-Home COVID-19 Antigen Tests – Take Steps to Reduce Your Risk of False Negative]
Important Result Considerations – Positive Covid-19 Results:
Positive Covid-19 test results using a viral test (molecular or antigen) in persons with signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 indicate that the person has COVID-19 and should not come to work and should isolate at home. Decisions to discontinue isolation for workers with COVID-19 and allow them to return to the workplace may follow either a symptom-based, time-based, or a test-based strategy.
Effective April 4, 2022, HHS and CDC announced revisions to COVID-19 laboratory reporting guidance. Reporting of negative results for non-NAAT tests (rapid or antigen test results) is no longer required. This update also no longer requires reporting of antibody test results, positive or negative. However, testing sites must still report data for all positive diagnostic and screening testing completed for each individual test.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/point-of-care-testing.html