COVID safety info:
The COVID-19 pandemic quickly showed that medical practices need to be able to adapt to keep their patients safe. From the addition of telemedicine capabilities to enhanced safety protocols, offices across the city have shown their commitment to keeping patients safe. At New York Medicine Doctors, we’d like to provide some information about what has been done to help patients, and how we’re handling this new virus.
What Have We Been Doing To Protect Patients And Staff?
We want our patients to know that we have taken COVID-19 very seriously. We have done everything in our power to protect both patients and staff from contracting the virus when visiting our facility. Below are examples of what we’ve done in recent months to flatten the curve and combat the spread:
● Allow patients to virtually check-in to their appointments so they can spend less time in our waiting rooms.
● Started offering telemedicine sessions when possible to allow patients to receive care without ever needing to leave their homes.
● Followed OSHA-standards of cleaning and disinfecting our office.
● Continuously monitoring the health of our staff to ensure they are not coming to work while they are sick.
Do We Provide COVID-19 Testing?
With so much still unknown about the COVID-19 virus, patients need to do everything in their power to keep themselves protected. From a city and statewide standpoint, the best way to do this is through testing. That is why our team at New York Medicine Doctors is happy to announce that we now offer antibody testing in our facility.
How Are Antibody Tested For?
Testing positive for COVID-19 antibodies shows not only that you were infected, but that you’ve already beaten the disease. This can provide hope of avoiding future infections, and also gives you the opportunity to donate plasma in hopes of finding proven therapeutics. The COVID-19 antibody tests involve taking blood to detect the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies.
Who Is Eligible For Antibody Testing?
COVID-19 antibody can be used to show when the virus has been eliminated from your body. That is why even before you receive the results, if you have tested positive for the disease or believe you have been showing symptoms, you should self-isolate for 14 days. When it comes to getting the antibody test, it is professionally recommended to do so on patients 5 days after the onset of their symptoms, or 7 to 10 days after testing positive for the virus.
COVID-19 & COVID-19 Antibody Testing
With The COVID-19 pandemic still at large, early detection of positive cases is imperative. That is why our team has begun to administer COVID-19 virtual and antibody testing. By visiting us, you’ll be able to see if you have been infected with the disease and if you’ve formed antibodies to combat it.
How Long Is The Test?
Both the viral test and antibody test are not relatively long procedures. For the viral COVID-19 test, it will likely take no more than a few minutes, if not less, for our doctors to get hold of the needed sample. An antibody test will take even less time. However, keep in mind that both testing options are invasive, so be prepared for that when you walk through our doors.
How Should You Prepare?
If you believe you are showing the symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call, and let our doctors know ahead of time. Doing so will allow us to take the proper precautions for our staff and other patients. Make sure you have a mask ready for when you come to our facility, and be prepared to remain socially distant from everyone in the building until the test takes place. In regards to the antibody test, you’ll once again need to call ahead of time to schedule an appointment for one. If you previously tested positive for COVID-19, you’ll need to remain in isolation for at least 14 days before you can come in for this test.
What To Expect
As previously stated, both tests are a bit invasive. The viral test uses a nasal swab to collect a sample from the respiratory tract. The antibody test involves having blood drawn. While invasive, these two methods offer the most accurate results.
Side Effects
Both testing procedures are safe, but you may deal with a few side effects. Experience general discomfort in the testing area following the procedures is common. Additionally, slight bruising may take place in the area where blood was drawn.