What A Positive Covid-19 Test Result Means

We’ve written before about the importance of getting tested for COVID-19. But we know that if you are planning on getting a test performed, you likely have questions – particularly about what a positive COVID-19 test means for you. We’ve got answers. Read on for information about COVID-19 testing.

What Does A Positive Test Result For Covid-19 Mean?

There are two results you can get from a COVID-19 test: positive and negative. Negative means that you are not currently infected with the virus. Therefore, a positive result means that you currently carry the virus. It is possible to test positive for COVID-19 even if you are not experiencing typical symptoms or any symptoms at all. 

What Does A Presumptive Positive Covid-19 Test Result Mean?

According to the CDC, a presumptive positive test result is “when a patient has tested positive by a public health laboratory, but results are pending confirmation at the CDC.” Presumptive positives are not used much anymore; now, test results are positive, negative, or pending/inconclusive. 

Can I Go To Work If I Received A Positive Covid-19 Test Result?

This will depend on the policies at your place of work. Most places will not want you to return to a workplace if you have tested positive for the coronavirus, even if you are not displaying symptoms. How long you will have to quarantine depends on multiple factors. If you have no symptoms, the CDC recommends quarantining for 10 days after the initial positive test result. However, if you experienced severe symptoms, you should quarantine for at least 14 and up to 20 days after the initial onset of symptoms.

In either case, staying home when you have received a positive COVID-19 test result is the responsible thing to do. See if your job will allow you to work remotely during this time instead of returning to the workplace.

What Should I Do If I Have Tested Positive For Covid-19?

If you test positive for COVID-19, you’re likely feeling a lot of things. Take a deep breath and remember to take care of yourself. Here are some guidelines to follow if you find yourself struggling with what to do after a positive COVID-19 result:

• Stay Home: Staying home and not going out unless absolutely necessary is important when you have received a positive test result in order to control spread of the disease. Quarantining and social distancing is hard, but it’s of utmost importance to public health and safety to quarantine while you are carrying the coronavirus. Make sure to keep in touch with your doctor during this period.
• Contact Tracing: If you’ve been in contact with anyone in the past two weeks, reach out and let them know that you’ve contracted COVID-19 so that they can get tested themselves and take proper precautions.
• Take Care of Yourself: Make sure to get plenty of rest, liquids, and good food, and most importantly, follow your doctor’s directions. Most cases of COVID-19 are mild, and you will likely recover in a few weeks or less and be back on your feet soon. 

We hope this article has given you the information you need to confidently face a COVID-19 test, whatever the results may be. If you are interested in getting a COVID-19 test — especially if you are traveling or visiting family for the holidays – contact Blue Star Diagnostics now to get the process started. We offer both instant tests and more thorough tests with results within 3-5 days. Call us now at (469)-656-7999.