COVID Testing Clinic in Fairfax, VA

Consider testing if you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19, including fever or chills, cough, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a new loss of taste or smell. Symptoms may range from mild to severe, and some people develop few or no symptoms despite being infected.

If you have symptoms, test as soon as possible. If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 but do not have symptoms, wait at least five full days after the exposure before testing, unless a healthcare professional or a specific testing protocol advises otherwise. Testing too early may produce a false-negative result because the amount of virus may not yet be detectable.

If symptoms develop before the recommended post-exposure testing date, test immediately rather than waiting. People at increased risk of severe illness should contact a healthcare professional promptly when COVID-19 is suspected, even if symptoms are mild. Testing may also be appropriate before close contact with someone at high risk or when a specific healthcare facility, workplace, school, or travel destination requires it.

Routine testing after every crowded event is not a universal CDC requirement. Testing decisions should reflect symptoms, exposure, personal risk, risk to others, and any applicable requirements.

The two main types of diagnostic tests for current or recent COVID-19 infection are nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, and antigen tests. Each method has advantages and limitations. Contact Prima Urgent Care to confirm which tests are currently offered, whether an appointment is needed, and how results are provided.

PCR and other molecular tests
NAATs detect genetic material from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. They are generally more sensitive than antigen tests and may detect infection when an antigen test is negative. Some molecular tests are performed in laboratories, while certain tests can provide results at the point of care. Turnaround times depend on the test and processing arrangements.

A positive NAAT does not always mean that a person has a new infection. Molecular tests can remain positive for up to 90 days after an earlier infection because viral genetic material may persist after the initial illness. A clinician should consider the timing of the previous infection, current symptoms, and any new exposure when interpreting a result.
PCR tests should not be described as inherently more likely to produce false positives because of their cycle thresholds. Like other diagnostic methods, molecular tests have limitations, but they are generally more sensitive than antigen tests. Unexpected or clinically inconsistent results may require professional interpretation.

Rapid antigen tests
Antigen tests detect specific proteins associated with the virus and commonly provide results within approximately 15–30 minutes, depending on the product. They are convenient for identifying infection, but they are generally less sensitive than molecular tests, particularly early in infection or when a person has no symptoms.

A positive antigen result is generally reliable and should be taken seriously. A negative result does not reliably exclude infection, especially when symptoms or a recent exposure suggest COVID-19 may be present. Follow the test’s instructions and FDA recommendations for repeat testing.

Antibody tests
Antibody, or serology, tests measure the body’s immune response to previous infection or vaccination. They do not detect the virus itself and should not be used to diagnose current COVID-19, determine whether someone is contagious, establish protective immunity, or decide whether vaccination is needed.

A positive antibody result does not guarantee protection against future infection. A negative result does not necessarily mean that a person has never been infected or vaccinated. Diagnostic viral testing, rather than antibody testing, is appropriate when evaluating a suspected current infection.

A negative result means the test did not detect the virus in the collected specimen at that time. It does not guarantee that you are uninfected. Testing too early, low viral levels, specimen collection problems, and differences in test sensitivity can contribute to false-negative results.

For FDA-authorized at-home antigen tests, current recommendations are:

• If you have symptoms: Repeat the test 48 hours after the first negative result, for at least two tests in total.
• If you have no symptoms: Repeat the test 48 hours after the first negative result and again 48 hours later, for at least three tests in total.

Follow the specific test’s instructions and any updated FDA recommendations. A healthcare professional may recommend a molecular test when symptoms persist, clinical suspicion remains high, or a more sensitive test is appropriate.

If your symptoms worsen despite a negative result, seek medical advice rather than assuming COVID-19 has been ruled out. Other infections, including influenza, may cause similar symptoms and may require different testing or treatment. People at increased risk of severe illness should not delay an assessment while waiting to complete a series of home tests.

An invalid or inconclusive test is not a negative result. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, use a new test if directed, and seek professional testing or advice if results remain unclear. Do not rely on a test that was performed incorrectly or outside its specified storage and use conditions.

A positive diagnostic test indicates that the virus was detected and that you have or recently had an infection. Assume that you may have COVID-19, take precautions to reduce transmission, and monitor your symptoms. Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you have risk factors for severe illness or need guidance about treatment.

Under current CDC community guidance, stay home and away from others while you are ill until your symptoms have been improving overall for at least 24 hours and, if you had a fever, it has been absent for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. After resuming normal activities, take added precautions for the next five days.

These precautions may include wearing a well-fitting mask, improving indoor ventilation, maintaining distance from others, practicing good hygiene, and considering testing before close contact with people at increased risk of severe illness. You may still transmit the virus even after you begin feeling better.

If you test positive but do not develop symptoms, take added precautions for five days after the positive test. If symptoms subsequently appear or worsen, follow the applicable symptom-based guidance. Healthcare facilities, employers, schools, and other settings may have additional requirements that differ from general community recommendations.

Testing requires special consideration during the 90 days following a previous positive result because some tests can continue detecting viral material after the initial infection.

Previous positive result within the last 30 days: If symptoms develop, use an antigen test and repeat negative results according to FDA recommendations. If you have no symptoms, CDC guidance does not recommend testing solely to detect a new infection during this period.

Previous positive result 31–90 days ago: If you develop symptoms or have no symptoms but need to assess possible infection, use an antigen test and repeat negative results according to FDA recommendations.

Reinfection can occur within 90 days, so new symptoms or a new exposure should not automatically be attributed to a previous illness. Conversely, a positive molecular result during this period does not automatically establish a new infection. A healthcare professional can help interpret the result in context.

Anyone can develop serious illness, but the risk is higher for certain groups. These include older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and individuals with certain chronic conditions, such as heart disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and other medical conditions associated with severe COVID-19. Risk generally increases with age and may be affected by vaccination status and other individual factors.

Pregnant patients should contact a healthcare professional promptly if COVID-19 is suspected or confirmed. Pregnancy does not automatically rule out treatment, but medication selection requires individualized clinical assessment. People receiving immune-suppressing treatments or living with significant immune deficiencies may need additional guidance because they can have a higher risk of complications or prolonged infection.

Parents and caregivers should seek medical advice for children with suspected COVID-19 when symptoms are concerning, persistent, or worsening. Children may have different treatment eligibility requirements from adults, and medications must be selected according to age, weight, medical history, and current prescribing guidance.

Paxlovid can interact with numerous prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and supplements. Some interactions may cause serious or life-threatening effects or reduce the effectiveness of other medicines. Kidney function affects dosing, and certain severe liver conditions may make the medication unsuitable. A clinician or pharmacist must review the patient’s complete medication list and medical history before prescribing it. Do not stop or adjust another medication on your own.

Remdesivir requires administration by a healthcare professional and appropriate review of liver function and other clinical factors. Its suitability should be assessed individually.
Molnupiravir is for adults only and is not recommended during pregnancy because of potential fetal harm. It has reproductive safety precautions, including guidance concerning pregnancy avoidance and contraception. A healthcare professional must review the current prescribing information and discuss risks before use.

Patients should not use leftover prescriptions, medications prescribed to another person, veterinary products, or unapproved treatments for COVID-19. Never assume that an antiviral is appropriate simply because a test is positive.

Seek emergency medical attention immediately for difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to wake or remain awake, or pale, gray, or blue discoloration of the skin, lips, or nail beds. Call 911 if these warning signs occur. Do not wait for a test result or a routine appointment.

Children may show different signs of serious illness. Seek urgent medical assessment for difficulty or unusually rapid breathing, bluish lips or face, signs of dehydration, inability to drink adequately, unusual difficulty waking, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Call 911 for life-threatening symptoms.

This list does not cover every possible emergency. Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms warrant prompt medical assessment even if they are not specifically listed.

Testing is only one part of preventing transmission. The following measures can help protect you, your household, and other members of the community:
Stay home and away from others when you are sick, following current CDC symptom-based guidance.

• Wear a well-fitting mask when appropriate, particularly around people at increased risk of severe illness.
• Improve indoor ventilation by bringing in outdoor air or using appropriate air filtration.
• Wash your hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick when possible.
• Consider testing before close contact with older adults, immunocompromised individuals, or others at increased risk.
• Follow current CDC COVID-19 vaccination recommendations based on age, health status, and individual circumstances.

People with weakened immune systems may remain infectious for longer than others. They and their close contacts should seek individualized guidance when infection or prolonged symptoms are a concern. Vaccination, when recommended, helps reduce the risk of severe outcomes but does not eliminate the possibility of infection or transmission.

Testing requirements may vary by employer, healthcare facility, school, airline, destination, or other organization. Do not assume that every organization requires testing or accepts every test type. Requirements and accepted documentation can change.

If you need a test for travel or another specific purpose, contact Prima Urgent Care before scheduling to confirm whether a suitable test is available, whether an appointment is required, and what turnaround time and documentation can be provided. Allow sufficient time for collection and processing. A negative test does not guarantee that you will not become infected or develop symptoms after testing.

Scheduling COVID-19 testing at Prima Urgent Care in Fairfax, VA, starts with contacting the clinic to discuss your symptoms, recent exposure, and testing needs. The urgent care team can help you understand the available testing options and confirm current availability, appointment requirements, and expected turnaround times. Sharing information about when your symptoms began and whether you have recently tested positive can help guide the next steps.

Located at 3903 Fair Ridge Dr, Suite Q, Fairfax, VA 22033, Prima Urgent Care provides an urgent care setting for patients seeking evaluation of respiratory symptoms and other immediate medical concerns. If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, timely evaluation may help determine whether testing or additional care is appropriate. Patients at increased risk of severe illness should seek prompt medical guidance, while anyone experiencing severe breathing difficulties, persistent chest pain, or other emergency warning signs should call 911. For more information, please contact us today or request an appointment online.

No. A single negative antigen test may miss an infection, particularly early in the illness or when symptoms are absent. Repeat testing at the recommended intervals or a healthcare professional’s recommendation for molecular testing may be appropriate.

No. Antibody tests detect an immune response to previous infection or vaccination. They cannot diagnose current infection, establish that you are protected from reinfection, or determine whether a vaccine worked.

No. People at increased risk of severe illness should contact a healthcare professional promptly when symptoms develop. A clinician can assess the need for testing and treatment, and treatment evaluation should not be delayed while waiting for symptoms to become severe.

Yes. COVID-19 and influenza can cause similar symptoms, and symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish them. A healthcare professional may recommend testing for one or both infections depending on symptoms, exposure, and clinical circumstances.

No. Antivirals are intended for eligible patients, particularly those at increased risk of severe illness. The decision depends on clinical circumstances, treatment timing, contraindications, potential interactions, and the patient’s medical history.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Testing for COVID-19.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). At-Home COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests: Frequently Asked Questions.
FDA. Antibody (Serology) Testing for COVID-19.
CDC. Symptoms of COVID-19.
CDC. Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick.
CDC. Types of COVID-19 Treatment.
CDC. People with Certain Medical Conditions and COVID-19 Risk Factors.
CDC. COVID-19 Vaccines.
FDA. Paxlovid.
FDA. COVID-19 Test Basics.