AIRCARE ANTIGEN COVID TESTING FAQ’S
HOW DOES THIS COVID TEST WORK?
This is a self-administered point of care antigen-based nasal swab test to detect Covid-19 infection. It is administered under the guidance of trained Aircare staff either in person, or via video link. The results are generated in 15 minutes, which eliminates the need to send the test out for lab processing or the need for evaluative hardware/software.
WHAT IS AN ANTIGEN TEST?
An antigen test is a diagnostic test that checks to see if you're infected with the coronavirus. The test looks for proteins - antigens, which are a bodily reaction to infection - in a sample taken from your nose. Antigen tests are faster than PCR tests, but they are slightly less accurate (97% accuracy levels as reported by Abbott). They are also called rapid tests or rapid diagnostic tests.
IS THIS THE SAME AS AN ANTIBODY TEST?
No – the BinaxNOW test in an antigen test, which will determine if you are currently infected with the coronavirus by detecting proteins developed in your body during infection.
Meanwhile, an antibody test identifies previous exposure to the virus by detecting the presence of antibodies. Antibody tests are usually done through a blood draw and are not the most effective method to determine the presence of an active infection, but rather they are used to confirm if a patient has had a prior Covid-19 infection.
IS THIS TEST LEGITIMATE AND REPUTABLE?
Yes – Abbott Laboratory’s test, administered by Aircare, has been granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the FDA. It is fast and accurate, and it is simple to administer. Results derived by the BinaxNOW test also satisfy CDC’s requirements for entry into the United States thus proving to be a valuable tool for crews traveling abroad.
HOW ACCURATE IS THE BINAXNOW TEST?
Based on a clinical study supported by US research universities, Abbott said its test showed sensitivity of 97.1 percent (correct diagnoses of people who have the disease) and specificity of 98.5 percent (correctly ruling out people who don’t have it), “inpatients suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within the first seven days of symptom onset.” The longer a patient has been infected by Covid-19, the less accurate an antigen test becomes.
AM I REQUIRED TO TAKE THIS TEST FOR AIRCARE FACTS TRAINING?
No – Aircare is not requiring students to take the antigen test. However, we are making it available for all students. If you are scheduled for an upcoming FACTS Training program and would like to participate, please notify our team immediately or upon registration.
WILL MY TEST RESULTS BE SHARED?
The test results are uploaded to the NAVICA app and are reported to the state Department of Health through Abbott labs and NAVICA. HIPAA regulations dictate patient confidentiality upon receiving and uploading results, so personal information is well secured and remains confidential.
HOW DO I SHARE MY RESULTS WITH AN INTERESTED PARTY FOR US ENTRY, OR AN EMPLOYER?
Results from the Point of Care test are validated through the administration of the test by Aircare’s testing team, and then uploaded to NAVICA for distribution to the patient. The NAVICA app has a Digital Health Pass that will display a patient’s test results for 7 days --after day 7, a negative test result will drop off, as one’s Covid status may change due to new exposures.
HOW MUCH DOES THE ANTIGEN TEST COST?
We are offering the BinaxNOW test to students currently attending Aircare FACTS Training at a reduced cost. The test fee can be added to your tuition fee, or you may pay separately.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I TEST "POSITIVE" FOR COVID?
Any student who tests positive will be directed to leave the classroom and contact their primary care physician for further direction. Aircare can also provide information and medical support to an infected student until the primary care physician is reached through Aircare Access’ medical support team.
DOES THIS MEAN THAT I DO NOT HAVE TO WEAR A MASK IN CLASS?
No- all safety protocols are still being followed including limiting class size, masks at all times, social distancing and disinfection. This is just an additional layer of safety for our students and instructors.
IF I ELECT TO TAKE THE ANTIGEN TEST, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE ARRIVING TO CLASS?
Prior to arriving at your scheduled Aircare FACTS class, you will need to download the NAVICA app and register with NAVICA, using the link sent to you by our staff. We encourage you to plan ahead in terms of payment and setting up your NAVICA app profile, so that the actual testing process is orderly and efficient as class begins. If we are all testing, it's best to reduce any confusion that comes with administrative tasks so that everyone is focused on the testing procedure.
HOW DOES THIS WORK DURING AN AIRCARE FACTS CLASS?
You will be asked to arrive 30-45 minutes early on your first day of class. Please make sure have the app downloaded and registered. You will be given a test kit and guided through the process by your instructors. They will scan your test and the results will be uploaded upon the completion of the test. You will then receive your digital health pass on the NAVICA app.