Global Point of Care
Global Point of Care
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is an infectious respiratory disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. The disease is transmitted person to person via respiratory droplets sent into the air by anyone nearby and infected who coughs, sneezes, or talks. The result can be mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms that can feel like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia.
Because it’s so contagious, it’s important to get tested as soon as possible if you have symptoms or think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19.
Find a test provider with ID NOW rapid molecular testing for more information.
COVID-19 symptoms overlap with those of other respiratory illnesses. Because of that and the fact that it’s highly contagious, it’s critical to get tested once symptoms appear or you learn you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
It’s important to know that a person with COVID-19 can have a variety of symptoms or none at all. Symptoms may show up between 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.1 Just because you don’t have symptoms doesn’t mean you don’t have the virus and can spread it to others.
The good news is that most people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus will experience only mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without needing special treatment.2
If you or someone close to you has typical COVID-19 symptoms, rapid testing can provide information quickly. Rapid tests can identify the COVID-19 virus so the right treatment can get started early. This may help you feel better sooner.
While most people with COVID-19 will have only mild to moderate illness, there are exceptions. Some people may develop severe COVID-19 symptoms that require hospitalization.2
If you or someone you care about has chronic or severe underlying medical conditions, there is increased risk for severe effects from COVID-19.3 And, of course, as people age, their immune system tends to weaken, making people more vulnerable to infections.3 Prompt medical attention may be required.1
If you or someone you care about has COVID-19 and is at high risk of becoming very sick from the disease, your healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral treatment.4,5,6 Antivirals work best when they are prescribed and taken quickly, at the onset of symptoms.
Early, rapid testing—whether taken at home as a self-test or by a test provider—is essential. It ensures that you and your healthcare provider get quick and reliable results to make the most informed treatment decision.7
Contact your clinician immediately about available treatment options if you have tested positive for COVID-19.
Do you have a sore throat or cough? A stuffy or runny nose? It could be a cold. It also might be COVID-19 or the flu. They all share similar symptoms. Testing is the best way to figure out what kind of infection you have and the best treatment for you.
Rapid molecular tests detect viral RNA or DNA with results available in minutes.
Molecular PCR tests detect viral RNA or DNA.
Detects active infection by identifying a protein from the virus or bacteria that causes that infection.
A molecular test can find tiny amounts of virus genetic material called RNA and can be more reliable in the early stage of infection when there is less of the virus present. Isothermal and PCR are both types of molecular test technology, but isothermal tests are faster and can provide results in minutes.8,9
| Isothermal | PCR |
Tests for SARS-CoV-2 RNA | ![]() | |
Molecular test | ||
Swab from the nose | ||
Takes less than 15 minutes |
Do you have a sore throat or cough? A stuffy or runny nose? It could be a cold. It also might be COVID-19 or the flu. They all share similar symptoms. Testing is the best way to figure out what kind of infection you have and the best treatment for you.
Rapid molecular tests detect viral RNA or DNA with results available in minutes.
Molecular PCR tests detect viral RNA or DNA.
Detects active infection by identifying a protein from the virus or bacteria that causes that infection.
A molecular test can find tiny amounts of virus genetic material called RNA and can be more reliable in the early stage of infection when there is less of the virus present. Isothermal and PCR are both types of molecular test technology, but isothermal tests are faster and can provide results in minutes.8,9
| Isothermal | PCR |
Tests for SARS-CoV-2 RNA | ![]() | |
Molecular test | ||
Swab from the nose | ||
Takes less than 15 minutes |
During the early stages of the pandemic, we helped pioneer the technology used on the frontlines to test for COVID-19. Now that same technology is available to you in a convenient at-home self test. You can choose between testing for COVID-19 only or COVID-19 and Flu combined.
Learn about respiratory illnesses and the newer advanced test technology that offers fast and accurate results. Knowing now means you’ll be treated earlier which can help you get well sooner.
Rapid tests are essential tools to help diagnose what’s behind your symptoms, so you can treat earlier and get well sooner. Understand the differences between rapid molecular tests and at home COVID-19 antigen self tests.
A Leader In Rapid Point-of-care Diagnostics.
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