COVID-19 Testing at Brimhall Primary Care Center, Ming Primary Care Clinic, Niles Primary Care Clinic, and Niles Family Medicine in Bakersfield, CA

COVID-19 infection can result in a variety of symptoms, ranging from minor to severe. While these symptoms can affect anybody, older people and those with specific underlying medical conditions are more prone to develop significant complications that necessitate emergency medical care. If you have severe symptoms like these:
● Trouble breathing
● Persistent chest pain or pressure
● Confusion
● Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nails
● Inability to stay awake or wake up

Please call 911 immediately. These symptoms are uncommon but can be serious. Common, minor symptoms that can usually be treated by urgent care include:

● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
● Fever or chills
● Cough
● Fatigue
● Muscle or body aches
● Headache
● Loss of smell or taste
● Diarrhea
● Sore throat
● Runny nose or congestion
● Nausea or vomiting

Testing is recommended if you exhibit symptoms associated with a COVID-19 infection, have had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, or have participated in activities that increase your risk of infection due to an inability to socially distance. Mild symptoms might not necessitate testing; however, a medical professional can provide guidance on whether a test is necessary.

If you exhibit symptoms or believe you might be infected, contact a medical professional for specific guidance. Following these guidelines can help prevent the spread to others if you are infected or shield you from infection if you are not. For diagnosing your symptoms, you might have the option of a telemedicine appointment, which you can attend from the safety of your home. If testing is deemed necessary based on your symptoms, visit Universal Primary Care Medical Group of Brimhall Primary Care Center, Ming Primary Care Clinic, Niles Primary Care Clinic, and Niles Family Medicine.

COVID-19 is diagnosed using several testing methods that detect the presence of the virus or the immune response to it. The primary method for diagnosing an active infection is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. This test requires a sample from the respiratory system, usually collected with a nasal or throat swab. PCR tests detect the virus’s genetic material (RNA) and are highly accurate, providing results within hours or a few days, depending on the laboratory processing the test.

Another common method for rapid diagnosis is the antigen test, which detects specific proteins from the virus. Antigen tests are less sensitive than PCR tests but offer the advantage of quicker results, typically within minutes. They are particularly useful in settings that require immediate decisions about patient care.

For individuals who may have had COVID-19 in the past, serological (antibody) tests can be performed. These tests look for antibodies in the blood that the immune system produces in response to the virus. While antibody tests can indicate a past infection, they are not used to diagnose an active infection because antibodies only appear after the immune response has developed, often several days to weeks post-infection.

Yes, Universal Primary Care Medical Group of Brimhall Primary Care Center, Ming Primary Care Clinic, Niles Primary Care Clinic, and Niles Family Medicine in Bakersfield, CA offers COVID-19 testing at 4 locations. It is important to approach testing with caution, so we ask that you contact us for testing instructions and further details. We provide all the necessary information about safe testing practices. If testing is required, we can conduct it safely at our clinics, often with quick results. For any questions about COVID-19 testing at Universal Primary Care, please visit us today! For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations at Brimhall Primary Care Center, Ming Primary Care Clinic, Niles Primary Care Clinic, and Niles Family Medicine in Bakersfield, CA. We serve patients from Bakersfield CA, Maltha CA, Kayandee CA, Panama CA, Arvin CA, Fairfax CA, Rosedale CA, and surrounding areas.