Rapid COVID-19 Antigen and Antibody testing now available at MIMI’s

 

Testing at MIMI’s Clinic

We are now offering rapid COVID-19 serologic antibody and antigen testing in clinic as part of our “Immune Check-Up” Program.  (Please note that as FDA guidelines are constantly evolving and changing our program offerings might as well.)

Who should schedule an “Immune Check-Up” visit and get tested?

  • Anyone who is or was recently sick with symptoms and suspect COVID-19
  • Anyone who has recently been in contact with someone positive for COVID-19 or has recently traveled
  • Anyone potentially exposed and concerned about protecting their family and general public
  • Anyone concerned with unknowingly spreading the virus
  • Anyone wanting to maximize their immune health
  • Anyone preparing to return to work
  • Anyone who is planning on traveling and needs to have proof of a negative COVID antigen test.
  • We are also available for group testing, such as that required or desired prior to events such as family gatherings, group meetings, parties, entertainment events, etc. For this additional service please call our office at 970-628-1624 to schedule a meeting so we can determine if your needs and our services are a good fit and next steps.

“Immune Check-Up” information & instructions

  • The first step for your Immune Check-Up is to fill out the brief intake forms (patient information, symptom survey, current medication and supplement list, wellness survey and consent), Click here for online fillable form or   Download Form   to print and complete it. We need to review these prior to your appointment.
  • Please return the downloaded forms by fax or email and text us, so we know to look for it, at 970 628-1624:
      • By fax: 970-628-1624
      • By email: mimi@mimicares.com  please be aware that email is not HIPAA compliant 
  • The online fillable form is sent to us electronically and HIPAA compliantly.
  • Once we receive your paperwork we will call to discuss your situation and schedule your visit.
  • Payment must be received before your appointment & testing will occur. We invoice you via Square for contactless payment.

Testing

  • At your testing appointment we request you call or text upon arrival to let us know you are here. We will greet you at your car if you require car-side testing. If you have been approved for in clinic testing, please ring our doorbell for admittance.
  • All patients must be wearing a mask, or other face covering that covers nose and mouth, while in the clinic and during testing. MIMI’s Clinic staff will also be masked and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Testing will not occur without masks/PPE in place.
  • For car-side testing, we will meet you at your car to check your temperature and obtain your sample.
  • For antigen testing: The sample is obtained by nasal swab. This test is most accurate when you are having symptoms.
  • For antibody testing: The sample is obtained from a finger stick to obtain a drop blood. If you have a fever or other symptoms your testing may be delayed. Antibodies take time to develop. The best time to test is 3-4 weeks after you believe you had COVID.

Results: 10 – 15 minutes after we obtain your sample your result will be available for either antigen or antibody testing. You can either wait in your car or we can call you with your results.

  • Your result will determine what steps need to be taken next:

For antibody tests

  • Negative results indicate that you have not been exposed or have not made antibodies to COVID-19 virus.
  • Positive IgM means that you were recently exposed or re-exposed and you should follow self isolation procedures.
  • Positive IgG means you were exposed longer ago or recently re-exposed and you should follow public health guidelines.
  • Any result may necessitate further evaluation and testing by a medical professional.
  • During this pandemic, ANY result requires that you continue to follow current public health recommendations.

For antigen tests

  • A positive test result for COVID-19 indicates that antigens from SARS-CoV-2 was detected, and therefore the patient is infected with the virus and presumed to be contagious.
  • A negative test result for this test means that SARSCoV-2 antigens were not present in the specimen above the limit of detection.
  • Any result may necessitate further evaluation and testing by a medical professional.
  • During this pandemic, ANY result requires that you continue to follow current public health recommendations.

For any test

  • A positive result is required to be reported to appropriate public health entities.
  • We recommend a follow-up appointment to monitor how you are doing and to follow-up on any recommendations, treatments and additional testing and/or interventions. This will be a phone/telemedicine appointment that we schedule when we inform you of your results, if repeat or additional testing is required we will then schedule an office visit.

Pricing

Initial visits, for either test, are currently priced at $65 each, and include evaluation, POC testing and recommendations to support your immune health.

Urgent Care visits are $150 – $279 (if full initial consult is required)

**Please note that FDA guidelines are constantly evolving during this pandemic. We monitor these guidelines closely and will keep you apprised of any changes as soon as we learn of them.

There are three main types of COVID-19 tests

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/NAAT, Antigen and Serologic, also called antibody or immune, testing.

  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and NAAT testing looks for the presence of the virus’ genetic material (RNA) on a nasal or throat swab. These tests can tell whether someone has an active infection. In Mesa County, these tests are available for free at various locations
  • Antigen tests are immunoassays that detect the presence of a specific viral antigen, which implies current viral infection nand contagiousness. Antigen tests are currently emergency use authorized. If you want to know whether or not you have the virus, antigen testing can be used, as can PCR testing.
    • The Antigen test is authorized for use using nasopharyngeal swab specimens collected from individuals who are suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within the first five days of the onset of symptoms.

 

Antigen testing uses a nasal swab and can detect specific viral antigens, implying current infection and that you are contagious when you have a positive result.

 

  • Serological testing looks for the presence of antibodies produced by the immune system against SARS-CoV-2. Antibodies help the body fight an infection and are specific to a virus, bacteria, or other pathogen.
    • When COVID-19 antibodies are present on a the serologic test it means the person had the infection in the past or has had an appropriate response to being vaccinated. Antibodies can also be present in someone who may have been infected but never even had any symptoms.
    • People with weakened immune systems, though, may not make these antibodies properly.
    • It can take several days for the body to produce antibodies to a virus. That makes serological tests less useful than viral RNA or antigen tests for diagnosing someone with active COVID-19.
    • But antibodies can last for a long time in the body, which makes them ideal for identifying whether someone had once contracted the virus — even if it was weeks ago.
    • If someone tests positive for antibodies to the virus — and is not in the middle of an ongoing infection — they likely contracted the virus previously and successfully fought it off at that time.
    • However, SARS-CoV-2 is new, many questions remain. How long will that immunity last? Do people who had mild or no symptoms gain the same protection? How will people with current COVID-19 antibodies react to new variants of the virus?
    • Researchers are starting to find some answers, but many may not be known for months or years.
    • (Edited from https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-antibody-testing-can-help-us-fight-covid-19#When-will-testing-be-widely-available?)

 

Serologic (antibody) tests detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 as a signal of past or present viral exposure. They can’t be used to diagnose infections, but are viewed as a key to determining who can go back to work.