Combination COVID-19 Rapid Test - StarMed Healthcare

EMPLOYERS: Please CLICK HERE to schedule your employees for testing.

COVID-19 Combination Testing

We combine Nasal Swab & Blood Antibody Testing to get you results in as fast as 5-minutes.

All media inquiries please click here.

StarMed Healthcare uses combination testing to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The best and most effective way to test throughout this pandemic is Nasal Swab and Rapid Serology combination testing. Because these tests have different advantages and limitations, we leverage both methods when it makes sense to provide the most comprehensive results for our patients and research efforts across the country.”

~ Dr. Arin Piramzadian, CMO, StarMed Healthcare

False Negatives

When might I expect a false negative result?

If you are tested before your body builds up the necessary antibodies to fight COVID-19 and you are tested only with the rapid antibody test, it is likely you will test negative. For this reason we feel it is absolutely imperative to provide combination testing, utilizing molecular PCR testing (nasal swab) for early infection, symptomatic, and high risk patients along with rapid antibody testing where it makes sense.

False Positives

When might I expect a false positive result?

There are seven known corona viruses to effect human beings, one of which is COVID-19. Two others were SARS and MERS which were not highly prevalent in the US. The other four corona viruses are: 229E, NL63, OC43 and HKU1. Although there is seemingly no reliable prevalence data on these four, these strains are likely more common and could be reason for a false positive. Link to study

Education

Why is education around testing types important?

Emphasizing proper combination testing protocols along with appropriate patient education is a must at this time. StarMed utilizes both antibody and PCR tests when false negatives are more likely to occur. Better testing will be available to healthcare providers by the fall of 2020. Please take the time to educate yourself on all available test types. If you have any questions we will always be a resource for you and your family.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

STEP 1: Schedule Virtual Visit through our website (enter information of each individual you want tested separately)
STEP 2: You will receive an Email Link for your Virtual Visit with our Provider.
STEP 3: If our Provider determines Nasal Swab or a Rapid-Test is necessary, you will be given a specific time to do your Drive-Thru test

* Please reserve your clinical questions for our providers. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to serve our community.

* If you are experiencing shortness of breath, please go to the emergency room.

We have tested 793 individuals in the past week. Here are our ongoing results (updated at least weekly):

RESULTS SUMMARY – StarMed Healthcare, Charlotte, NC as of 6/19/20 5:47PM ET

TEST TYPE	Total Tested	Total Negative	Total Positive	% Positive
COVID-19	1,017	896	116	11.4%

Our team of molecular biologists perform tests onsite and obtain results using our QuantStudio™ 7 Flex Real-Time PCR Instrument.

Learn more about our fight against COVID-19

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

LETTER FROM DR. PIRAMZADIAN

SWAB VS. BLOOD TEST

RAPID ANTIBODY DISCHARGE

RAPID RESULTS STICK EXPLAINED

NASAL SWAB (PCR) DISCHARGE

FOR MEDIA

COSTS & INSURANCE

Disclaimer:

If we suspect you have a false negative or are considered high risk we will send off your specimen to our lab.

Rapid Serum Antibody tests have not been reviewed by the FDA.
Results from antibody testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection or to inform infection status.
Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in those who have been in contact with the virus. Follow-up testing with a molecular diagnostic should be considered to rule out infection in these individuals.
Positive results may be due to past or present infection with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, such as coronavirus HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E.
Patients selecting self-pay are attesting to the fact that they do not have any individual or group health plan that is in effect at the time they are filling out their information for testing.