COVID-19 Tests

COVID-19 PCR TEST- Active Infection

TCMAi offers COVID-19 PCR testing (COVID-19 swab test) at all of TCMAI’s Urgent Care locations. TCMAi understands the importance of a reliable, accessible test to screen for COVID-19. The COVID-19 PCR test is used to detect an active COVID-19 infection by isolating the genetic information of the virus, the RNA. That is only possible if the virus is present on the collection swab and someone is actively infected. To collect a sample, a technician will put a special 6-inch cotton swab into your nose. It will not hurt, but it might be uncomfortable. TCMAi will then send the swab to our lab partner to test the specimen collected from inside your nose. A dedicated TCMAi medical support team member will contact you once your results are in.

A Nasal Swab Test – $275

A swab test can tell only if you have the virus in your body at that moment. But a blood test shows whether you’ve ever been infected with the virus, even if you didn’t have symptoms. TCMAi offers a combination of active COVID-19 and an antibody test for $400. Having this combination test completed will give you the peace of mind to know whether you currently have COVID-19 or if you have had COVID-19.

COVID-19 SEROLOGY TEST

A blood or “serology” test will look for antibodies. Your body makes antibodies when you’ve had an infection and this test will provide the evidence that a patient has likely been exposed to the SARS-CoV2 virus. The test will determine if you have developed IgG antibodies, which is a protein that the body produces in the late stages of infection and may remain for up to months after the active infection. A positive serological test indicates that a patient has likely been exposed to the SARS-CoV2 virus. A negative result does not necessarily mean that you have not been exposed to the virus. It could mean that you have been tested too early after being exposed to the virus and your body has not had the adequate amount of time to produce an immune response that can be detected by any antibody test.

The serology test that TCMAi offers has been developed by Abbott Laboratories and has a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 99.6%. Diagnostically, the test you would get at TCMAi is one of the best tests that is currently being offered anywhere locally. The test that TCMAi offers is a milestone towards getting life back to normal and Florida back to work.

Be aware that not all marketed serological tests have been evaluated by the FDA. The serological test the TCMAi offers received EUA by the FDA on 04/26/2020. An EUA approval means that the FDA was able to examine data on the test’s performance and make a formal determination of whether to authorize it for emergency use. EUAs give labs and health care professionals the confidence that the FDA has reviewed a test.

Serology (Antibody) Test – $125

Your Health and Safety is our Top Priority

At TCMAi your health and safety is our highest priority. With the increasing concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we wanted to share important information with you. Please know we are following the information given by the Florida Department of Health and The Center for Disease Control (CDC) closely so we can do our part to prevent the spread of this virus in our Urgent Cares and Employee Health Centers.
You will notice us sanitizing common areas and commonly touch items more often and choosing to wear a mask; do not be alarmed.
We want to ensure we can continue to meet everyone’s health care needs as long as possible and have multiple ways we can do that from offering curbside appointments to deploying our Mobile Urgent & Primary Care Unit. We want to remind you that you should never forego health care when needed, we just need to take a few extra steps to ensure everyone’s safety while we weather this Pandemic.
  • If you suspect that you have been exposed to, or if you are at high risk for exposure to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), please call our office before coming in.
  • If you are scheduled for a routine appointment and have become ill, please call our office before your appointment. Our team has been trained to assist you and will guide you accordingly. We may choose to perform your visit virtually to limit exposures to other patients and staff.

During this time, it is important to apply more diligent self-care practices. We recommend the following:

  • Increased hand washing with soap for 20 seconds (sing happy birthday)
  • Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers at least 60% alcohol, if there is no sanitizer available plain alcohol is ok too
  • Avoid touching your face, including nose, eyes, or mouth
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue and toss it right away
  • Avoid contact with those who are sick and when you are sick
  • Avoid large gatherings and confined spaces (Currently recommendation is groups larger than 50 people)
  • Disinfect surfaces frequently
  • Get enough rest, nutrition and stay hydrated
  • Take your vitamins (Multi, B complex, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D3 are all great options)

For updates via our Facebook page, please click the links below. Like and follow for all important information.

For more information and live updates from Department of Health, please click the link below:

Mike Adelberg, MD, FAEP

Medical Director