We are offering a rapid antigen test for COVID-19. Patients will be tested with a nasal/nasopharyngeal sample for SARS-COV 2 testing via the Sofia SARS antigen FIA test. This test has been made available by the FDA under an emergency use authorization (EUA) and is supported by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
This antigen test is different from the standard PCR test (sent to a lab) as it detects proteins from the virus. A PCR tests the genetic material from the virus. Both tests are very accurate for SARS-COV 2 but may result in false negatives 20-30% of the time. In some cases, a negative rapid test may be followed by a PCR test sent from our office to an external lab. Recent studies have shown that the rapid antigen tests are better for detecting infectious virus early in the disease process. PCR tests are very sensitive and may give positive tests late in the illness when infectiousness is low. These studies are ongoing.
If your insurance provider does not cover this test, Lake Lewisville Pediatrics will charge $100.00 per test (to be paid by credit card beforehand).
The test takes 15 minutes to run after collection but could take longer during periods of high demand.
