Clinic Updates
Information regarding the Covid-19 EcoTest Rapid Antibody Test:
The Covid-19 EcoTest is used to detect antibodies that are generated as part of the human immune response to the Covid-19 virus. This result should not be used to diagnose or exclude acute infection, and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions. Direct testing for Covid-19 at a Public Health approved center should be performed if acute infection is suspected.
There are two types of antibodies that can be tested:
IgM antibodies appear around 5-7 days after exposure and last a couple weeks
IgG antibodies appear around 14 days after exposure and can last weeks to months
This test involves taking a small sample of blood from the tip of the finger. The process takes 15 minutes to complete.
A positive test result indicates that you have developed an antibody response to Covid-19, and that you may have potentially been exposed to Covid-19. If you have received the Covid-19 vaccine and have developed an immune response, you may test positive as well. It is unknown how long antibodies to Covid-19 will remain present in the body after infection, and if they confer immunity to infection. It is not known whether having antibodies to Covid-19 will protect you from getting infected again, or help reduce the severity or duration of a future Covid-19 infection. Incorrect assumptions of immunity may lead to premature discontinuation of physical distancing requirements and increase the risk of infection.
The overall reliability of the Assure Covid-19 IgM/IgG rapid test device is 98.7% for IgG antibody detection and 97.7% for IgM antibody detection. There is always the chance that false positive or false negative results can occur, however, this test has been designed to minimize the likelihood of false results. If a result is in doubt, confirmation of results should be considered, using a second, different test at a laboratory that can detect the same type of antibodies.
Potential risks of this test include possible discomfort or other complications that can occur during blood collection, a possible incorrect test result. Potential benefits include the results, along with other information, can help you and your healthcare provider make informed recommendations about your care.
COVID-19 Response
Med-Team remains open through the lockdown, we are focused on providing a safe environment for our staff and patients.
As such, patient screening is done prior to entry. Patients presenting any of the following symptoms within the past 2 weeks COULD be re-directed to a Covid 19 Assessment/Treatment Centre:
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Fever, Chills, Sore Throat, Cough, Shortness of Breath, Runny Nose, Chest Pain, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Headaches, Fatigue, Loss of Taste, Body Ache;
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TRAVEL or CONTACT with someone who has travelled in the past 6 Weeks;
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Close CONTACT with someone having known or suspected COVID 19 in the past 6 Weeks;