Clinic News
COVID-19 Testing Options
by Maddy Goeden, MD, Medical Director
Did you know Wayzata Children's Clinic has both rapid and send out testing for COVID-19? Just like no two kids are the same, no two exposures or illnesses are the same. That's why for every COVID test, we provide evaluation and advice tailored to your child's individual situation.
A bit of background on tests:
Antigen testing: This type of test detects fragments of the COVID viral protein. It has a fast (less than 24 hour) turnaround time. Because of its higher rate of false positives (testing positive when an infection is not present) and false negatives (testing negative when an infection is present), your provider will only offer this test when it makes sense for your child's situation.
PCR testing: A PCR (or polymerase chain reaction) test detects genetic particles from the COVID virus. It is the best at detecting smaller amounts of virus and for this reason takes longer to process (anywhere from <24 hours to 72 hours). This is the test your child will be advised to get if he or she was exposed to someone with COVID, which is in line with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommendations. Saliva centers through the MDH use PCR testing technology, making these centers a good option if your child needs accessible testing on a recurring or routine basis.
Both types of tests are collected with a nasal swab at our clinic. Depending on the test recommended for your child, the swab may be shallow or deeper. We will work with you to make the test as comfortable as possible.
Wayzata Children's Clinic remains committed to providing you with comprehensive COVID testing -- to not only give your family accurate and personalized testing but to also help you understand what that test means.
Please reach out to us in clinic if your child needs a test. We can discuss in person or via telehealth and set up a time that works with your schedule.
To read more about COVID testing, here are additional resources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/parenting/kids-test-covid.html?searchResultPosition=1
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/index.html
A bit of background on tests:
Antigen testing: This type of test detects fragments of the COVID viral protein. It has a fast (less than 24 hour) turnaround time. Because of its higher rate of false positives (testing positive when an infection is not present) and false negatives (testing negative when an infection is present), your provider will only offer this test when it makes sense for your child's situation.
PCR testing: A PCR (or polymerase chain reaction) test detects genetic particles from the COVID virus. It is the best at detecting smaller amounts of virus and for this reason takes longer to process (anywhere from <24 hours to 72 hours). This is the test your child will be advised to get if he or she was exposed to someone with COVID, which is in line with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommendations. Saliva centers through the MDH use PCR testing technology, making these centers a good option if your child needs accessible testing on a recurring or routine basis.
Both types of tests are collected with a nasal swab at our clinic. Depending on the test recommended for your child, the swab may be shallow or deeper. We will work with you to make the test as comfortable as possible.
Wayzata Children's Clinic remains committed to providing you with comprehensive COVID testing -- to not only give your family accurate and personalized testing but to also help you understand what that test means.
Please reach out to us in clinic if your child needs a test. We can discuss in person or via telehealth and set up a time that works with your schedule.
To read more about COVID testing, here are additional resources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/parenting/kids-test-covid.html?searchResultPosition=1
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/index.html