Mayo Clinic Health Matters26 Jan 2022

COVID-19 testing scenarios — what test and when?

Testing for COVID-19 is a part of the strategy to end the pandemic. But understanding testing — different types of tests and how and when to use them — can be confusing. Lab-run polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests and at-home antigen tests each have a role. "PCR tests are really sensitive, meaning we can detect really low levels of the virus in a sample," explains Dr. Matthew Binnicker, director of Clinical Virology at Mayo Clinic. "They're very specific, meaning we shouldn't get many false positive results with PCR tests." At-home antigen tests use a nasal swab and can produce results in 15 minutes, but they also have an increased chance of false-negative results, depending on when you test. "At-home rapid antigen tests look for a viral protein in the patient sample," says Dr. Binnicker. "So they're quick and easy, but they also have some important limitations." So if you're worried you might have COVID-19, what test should you take and when? On the Q&A podcast, Dr. Binnicker walks through various scenarios and makes testing recommendations for what to do if: You think you’ve been exposed but I don’t have symptoms. You have symptoms of COVID-19. You had COVID-19 and want to know if you're “in the clear” to return to work, school or activities. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(494)

Bunions: To treat or not to treat?

Do you see a bony bump when you look down at your feet? If so, you might have a bunion. And if you don’t, you probably want to keep it that way. On this episode of Health Matters, we’re talking with p...

21 Jul 0s

When you need a hormone panel – and when you don’t

It seems like everyone's talking about hormone panels. But are they worth the hype — and the cost? And are your hormones really the problem? On this episode of Health Matters, endocrinologist and wom...

7 Jul 36min

Can you trust health news?

Breaking news! This podcast episode is going to change everything you thought you knew about health … or is it? Catchy headlines and viral videos are everywhere — but can you trust them? On this epis...

23 Jun 42min

How to tame chronic inflammation

Some inflammation is helpful, but too much can do more harm than good. These days, chronic inflammation is linked to a wide range of health conditions, from joint pain and digestive issues to heart di...

9 Jun 36min

Liver cancer: Beyond the diagnosis

The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body and the only one with a significant ability to regenerate. But that doesn't mean the liver is invincible. Liver cancer is harder to detect tha...

2 Jun 28min

Are You Prepared for the Next Disaster?

Midwest tornadoes. East Coast hurricanes. West Coast wildfires. Giant earthquakes and towering waves. Emergencies can bring out the biggest challenges — and surprising strengths — in people and health...

26 Mai 39min

Bladder Cancer: More Common Than You Think

Bladder cancer is one of the 10 most common cancers in the U.S. On top of that, it can be difficult to diagnose. But it also has some very clear causes — which means there are real steps you can take ...

19 Mai 34min

Ow, My Back!

Back pain has a way of stopping life in its tracks. One minute you’re bending down to pick up a shoe, and the next you’re flat on your back, wondering how something so small could cause so much pain —...

12 Mai 33min