UCHC offers COVID-19 and Antibody Testing-By Appointment
UCHC offers testing to detect active COVID-19 infection (SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA test-nasal or oral swab) and COVID-19 antibody testing (blood test) to confirm if you had a past infection.
The goal of the testing initiative is to rapidly identify and isolate infected people, link them to timely care and ultimately decrease the transmission of COVID-19 in our community.
- In effort to adhere to NYS social distancing guidelines, COVID-19 Testing at UCHC is by appointment only. Call 718.220.2020 to schedule an appointment.
- If possible, come alone to your appointment unless you require a companion or have a special circumstance for example: minors, special needs, etc.
Who is Eligible for COVID-19 Testing?
- Anyone who is showing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Common symptoms include but not limited to: cough, fever, shortness of breath, body aches, headache, sore throat, fatigue, loss of taste and smell, nasal congestion, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- All individuals who have been exposed to a person with confirmed COVID-19 infection in the last 14 days.
- All individuals who work in congregate residential setting, including nursing homes, shelters, and adult care facility.
- All essential workers, health care workers, and first responders who directly interact with the public while working.
- Any individual who attended any of the recent protests across the state.
If you test positive for the COVID-19 active infection:
- You will be evaluated by a health care provider who will assess whether you are at risk of complications of COVID-19 infection and tailor a care plan for you.
- Our care team will closely monitor you to ensure you are clinically improving with wellness checks and enroll you in the Pandemic Response Network if you need additional attention during your recovery.
- NYC Test and Trace Corp from NYCDOH will contact all the people that were exposed to you shortly before the onset of your illness so that your loved ones, coworkers, and close contacts get the necessary COVID-19 testing and care they need.
- You will get advice on how to safely isolate at home or at a free hotel room if isolation at home is not possible due to crowded living conditions.
What is a COVID-19 Antibody Test?
Serum antibody IgG testing (a blood test) is used to determine if you had a past infection and have antibodies to the virus. This test can be done on individuals that have a history COVID-19 infection, previous exposure to COVID-19 infection who are asymptomatic, and essential workers that are at high risk of infection.
This test should be conducted at least 14 days after symptoms appear and preferably 21 days from the start of the infection.
A positive antibody result can show the tested person has some immunity to the virus, but no one knows how long this protection will last.
Once again, the goal of the testing initiative is to rapidly identify and isolate infected people, link them to timely care and ultimately decrease the transmission of COVID-19 in our community.