COVID19 TESTING
There are now two types of tests: 1) nasal swab to test if you currently have COVID19 and 2) blood test to see if you have already had COVID19.
ARE YOU CURRENTLY SICK OR HAVE YOU DISPLAYED ANY COVID19 SYMPTOMS IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS?
YESYou need the COVID19 viral swab. This is a nasal swab to test for the virus in your respiratory system.
Call our office at 843.761.8800 to book a virtual screening with a local BFP provider to assess your symptoms. After your initial screening, you will be given drive-through testing information. |
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Please note: WE HAVE LIMITED TESTING SPOTS.
Our COVID19 testing is reserved for established patients only, however with the sharp rise in cases, we are maxing out our testing capabilities each day. If you need to be tested, call our office and check to see if we have any available spots. If we do not, here is a list of other places that you can go for testing:
Closest COVID-19 Testing Sites to BFP:
Additional Permanent COVID Testing Sites throughout the state
Closest COVID-19 Testing Sites to BFP:
- CVS Pharmacies
- 1515 Old Trolley Rd, Summerville
- 1055 Red Bank Rd, Goose Creek
- 8995 University Blvd, North Charleston
- 100 Rembert Dennis Blvd, Moncks Corner
- Fetter Health Care:
- 418 E Main St. Moncks Corner, SC
Additional Permanent COVID Testing Sites throughout the state
COVID19 SYMPTOMS
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death.
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
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NOAre you wondering if you had or were previously exposed to COVID19? You need the COVID19 antibody test. This is a blood test looking for antibodies that indicate previous or past infection. You must have been asymptomatic (meaning no symptoms) for two weeks.
To book your antibody blood test, please call 843.761.8800 to book a virtual screening and then you will be given lab testing information. |
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CALL 843.761.8800
TO SCHEDULE EITHER COVID19 TEST
FIRST, you will book a virtual video screening.
THEN, you will be given instructions for drive-through nasal swab for current infection OR in-clinic blood testing for PAST infection.
THEN, you will be given instructions for drive-through nasal swab for current infection OR in-clinic blood testing for PAST infection.
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MORE INFORMATION ON
Nasal
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MORE INFORMATION ON
antibody blood testWHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF ANTIBODY TESTING?
This type of lab evaluation is done to look for small components called antibodies that help us fight infections. There are different types of antibodies that occur at different rates after you have been infected by a pathogen. Your lab today is looking specifically at IgG antibodies to COVID-19. Based on the current research available, the IgG antibodies begin to form around 2 weeks after the initial infection of COVID-19. WHY IS TESTING IMPORTANT?
Antibody testing is important because it can give us an idea about past infections. Individuals may have had COVID-19 without developing any physical symptoms. WHAT TO EXPECT DURING TESTING TODAY?
A small sample of blood will be drawn from your vein and sent to the lab for evaluation. WHEN CAN I EXPECT RESULTS?
The current turn-around time for results through LabCorp is 1-3 days. In certain situations, this may be longer as things can change rapidly during a public health emergency. If you have not heard back within 5 business days, please contact our office directly at the number below. what is the cost for this test?
The virtual screening is billed to your insurance as a basic visit. The lab should cost approx $50. DO I need to be quarantined / isolated UNTIL MY RESULTS are BACK?
No. You are having the IgG Antibody Testing done because you have been symptom free for at least 2 weeks. As long as you continue to be symptom free, you may return to your day-to-day activities such as work, etc.. However, we strongly advise our patients to continue to follow the current CDC, SC DHEC, and local government guidelines for the rapidly changing recommendations on ways to protect against COVID-19. WHAT DO MY TEST RESULTS MEAN?
Positive: A positive IgG result indicates that you have been infected with COVID-19 at some point since the outbreak occurred. It does not tell us when, specifically. An IgG positive result does not exclude acute infection and may have positive result from coronavirus strains other than COVID-19. Negative: A negative IgG result indicates that you have NOT been infected with COVID-19 since the outbreak occurred. |
NOTE: This test currently has “Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)” but is not approved through the FDA. Due to this, the statistics regarding the accuracy of the test results have not been extensively researched. There is a chance of false positive or negative results, but the rate of this is unknown.
covid19 changes at
berkeley family practice
The safety and health of our patients, families and employees of Berkeley Family Practice is of our upmost concern. We will be implementing the following changes to our clinic during this time:
- Well appointments are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sick appointments from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. If you are sick, please do not walk into the office. Call our office and we will give you further instructions.
- We are increasing our sanitization protocols .
- We are checking temperatures of everyone who enters the building - employees, patients and guests.
- We have separated our waiting room to have designated sick and well areas.
- We have implemented an expediated triage system to have sick patients quickly taken to a private room.
If you need to be seen during this time, consider utilizing our telehealth service for virtual video appointments with a local BFP provider available during normal business hours. We have been able to conduct over 1000 telemedicine appointments during the COVID19 pandemic.
The following are common treatable conditions through telehealth:
The following are common treatable conditions through telehealth:
- Common Female Conditions including Bladder (UTI) or Yeast Infections
- Stomach problems including Nausea, Vomiting, Heartburn, Diarrhea and/or Constipation
- Skin Conditions including Acne, Eczema, Insect bites, Rashes, Cellulitis, Shingles and more
- Minor Injuries or Pain
- Medication Refills
- Mental Health / Counseling
- Blood Pressure Rechecks
- Diabetic Rechecks
- Smoking Cessation
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF*
- There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
- The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
- Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home.
- Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
- Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
- Do not gather in groups.
- Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
- Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
Cover coughs and sneezes
- You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
- Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
- Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
- Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
- Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
Cover coughs and sneezes
- If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
- Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectantsexternal icon will work.
* This information is directly from CDC. Please visit their website for more information.
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