Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about our services or laboratory testing answered.
COVID-19 Testing
What should I expect for the COVID-19 test?
We allow for self-collection of the COVID-19 test per CDC guidelines. You will be given a swab in which you will be swabbing both of your nostrils with a rotating motion. The swab is then given to the technician in a special tube for testing.
How accurate is your test?
We use the LumiraDx antigen test. When comparing this test to the gold standard PCR method, the LumiraDx antigen test performed at >97% sensitivity and >96% specificity. These numbers put the accuracy of the rapid antigen test close to PCR.
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At-home testing kits have notably lower accuracy rates than the rates mentioned, but still an excellent way to screen for COVID.
Why do you not take insurance?
We will soon be accepting insurance for most of our laboratory tests. Medical insurers require a bit of paperwork to ensure that laboratories are giving out quality results to their members. We will always comply with regulations to make sure that our patients get the value out of their laboratory tests.
Why is my test negative when I have symptoms?
There could be a few reasons why your COVID test is negative, even if you have symptoms:
1. The onset is too early for the rapid antigen test to detect the virus (recommend testing again within 3 days)
2. The symptoms could be from another respiratory virus (i.e. Influenza A)
3. Not enough virus was collected on th swab (recommend retest)
Other Lab Tests
What should I expect for the HbA1C test?
When you come to the laboratory, one of our technicians will perform a fingerstick. We will use a lancet with a tiny needle and will poke your finger and blood should run out of the site.
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The first drop is discarded. Subsequent drops are then collected on a capillary which is then inserted onto a cartridge and loaded onto an instrument for around 5 minutes when we get a result.
How accurate is your test?
The HbA1C test is as accurate as another method comparator and we can be confident that this method meets expectations as similar as sending to a reference laboratory for testing.
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The current reference range of the assay is 4.0-15.0% HbA1C. Results outside this range will not be reported.
Why do you not take insurance?
We will soon be accepting insurance for most of our laboratory tests. Medical insurers require a bit of paperwork to ensure that laboratories are giving out quality results to their members. We will always comply with regulations to make sure that our patients get the value out of their laboratory tests.