Testing for COVID-19

Two kinds of tests are available for COVID-19: viral tests and antibody tests.

• A viral test, collected using a nasal swab, tells you if you have a current infection.
• An antibody test, collected using a blood draw, tells you if you had a previous infection.
• An antibody test may not be able to show if you have a current infection
• Patients interested in antibody tests should confirm that the testing is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• All COVID-19 tests offered at WSFHC are approved by the FDA.

Who should be tested?  How do I get a test?

All COVID-19 tests are subject to CDC guidelines and the discretion of our licensed health care professionals. Patients interested in viral or antibody tests should contact the Clinic.

• Both viral and antibody tests are offered to primary care patients and the general public. 
• Patients will be evaluated by a licensed health care professional.
• Tests will be performed by appointment and are offered to the public during normal business hours and subject to availability. 

CALL THE CLINIC FOR INFORMATION ON VIRAL AND ANTIBODY TESTS AND TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT 661-765-1935

Available tests at WSFHC

WSFHC follows CDC guidelines for determining the appropriateness of viral COVID-19 tests.

The Clinic is offering both viral and antibody tests.

• A Clinic provider will order the appropriate test based on your symptoms, health history, and CDC guidelines. Note: In some cases a viral and/or an antibody test will be ordered.

Specimens are collected at the clinic and processed by West Pac Labs and Sonic Laboratories. 

• Results for viral tests (SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR/NAAT) are returned between 24-48 hours.
• Results for antibody tests are returned between 24-48 hours. 

What do the tests cost? 

WSFHC offers competitive pricing for all laboratory testing. Please call the Clinic (661) 765-1935 for more information. Note: WSFHC is contracted with most major government and commercial insurance payers including Medicare and Medi Cal. Copays and Deductibles may be waived by your insurance carrier. Contact your health insurance carrier for more information.

After you get your results

Antibody Tests

• Antibodies to COVID-19 are generally detectable in blood several days after initial infection and in 100% of patients by day 14 post symptom onset. 
• You will be contacted by a health care professional to discuss your results and any future health recommendations.
• Negative results do not preclude acute infection. 
• If acute infection is suspected consult with your health care provider 
• Per Kern County Health Officer Order all results are reported to the local Public Health Department.

Click here for more information on COVID-19 Antibody Testing.

Viral Tests

License healthcare professionals evaluate each patient using a screening questionnaire and patient’s health history.

• You will be contacted by a health care professional to discuss your results and any future health recommendations.
• Per Health Officer Order all results are reported to the local Public Health Department.

Click here for more information on viral COVID-19 testing.

Why testing is important

Federal, State, and Local Health Officials have increased access to testing across the U.S. Results and data from both viral and antibody testing may help inform the patient of their current health conditions, provide needed information to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, help health officials understand the spread of Covid-19, and assist government officials making decisions on regulations impacting state and local economies.

CALL THE CLINIC FOR INFORMATION ON VIRAL AND ANTIBODY TESTS AND TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT 661-765-1935

*Information gathered from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and West Pac Labs.