Using BioFire Technology in COVID-19 Testing

Using BioFire Technology in COVID-19 Testing

Nov 23, 2020

There are several COVID-19 testing solutions. However, with BioFire® technology, you can get more reliable results. Here is how the test works.

With seasons changing and the COVID-19 pandemic, you might not know what might be the cause of your flu. The flu can be a result of the common cold or influenza or COVID-19. Traditionally, urgent care physician would have to carry out separate tests for the signs and symptoms.

However, with BioFire, you don’t have to worry about many tests. BioFire technology is a new machine that carries one test for all respiratory diseases.

When Would I Need to Take a BioFire Test?

With the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not advisable to ignore the signs of flu. The flu signs could be a result of another respiratory disease. Some of the common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Fever with more than 37.5 degrees temperature
  • Dry coughs
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle aches
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain

The early symptoms of COVID-19 include loss of taste and sense of smell. Just like any other flu, you might experience a runny nose and a sore throat. The sore throat and running nose might not be a result of COVID-19. Therefore, you should consider getting a test for the symptoms. The test will help you confirm the disease and help the doctor create a treatment plan.

You can seek emergency testing and medical care if you have persistent chest pain, high fever, and blue lips or face. Also, you can consider getting tested for COVID-19 if you have been in close contact with an infected person or traveled outside your country.

Preparing for the Test

During this COVID-19 pandemic period, you need to take extra care, especially when getting out of the house, to prevent spreading or contracting the disease. Therefore, when going for the BioFire test, you should put all precautional measures in place.

At Ascent Emergency Room, you will find a team that is ready with protective gear in case you test positive for COVID-19. However, you can notify your doctor about your signs to help prepare for the test. Before carrying out the test, the doctor might ask you about your recent travels, people you have been in close contact with, and the severity of your symptoms.

How BioFire Test Works

Instead of carrying out many tests when you have signs of flu, the doctor in the emergency room will consider a BioFire® FilmArray® Respiratory Panel (RP2). The technology utilizes a single nasal swab to eliminate the guesswork during the COVID-19 test.

The RP2 test can test for several respiratory viruses as well as bacteria. Some of the viruses you can test for using RP2 BioFire technology include:

  • Adenovirus Coronavirus 229E
  • Coronavirus HKU1
  • Coronavirus OC43
  • Coronavirus NL63
  • Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus Influenza
  • Human Metapneumovirus
  • Influenza A
  • Influenza A/H1-2009
  • Influenza A/H3
  • Influenza B
  • Parainfluenza Virus 1-4
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Apart from viruses, the BioFire RP2 test can diagnose respiratory infections caused by bacteria such as:

  • Bordetella pertussis
  • Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae

BioFire syndromic testing eliminates the need to send your samples for further testing since it provides in-house results in 45 minutes. The test will help your physician rule out the cause of the illness and create an emergency treatment plan.

What to Expect After the Test

After the RP2 test, your doctor will either create a treatment plan for your respiratory infection or refer you to an isolation facility for COVID-19 patients.

COVID-19 has no cure or approved vaccine. Therefore, your doctor will treat the symptoms to reduce the effects. During the period, you might need to rest, eating a balanced diet, and drink lots of fluids. If your symptoms worsen, you should notify your doctor for specialized care.

Preventing the Spread of COVID-19

If you test negative for coronavirus or doesn’t show any signs of COVID-19, you should take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. Also, if you have already contracted the disease, you can prevent the spread of the coronavirus by staying in isolation to reduce human contact.

You can do the following to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Washing your hands regularly or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers
  • Disinfecting surfaces regularly
  • Coughing or sneezing on your elbow
  • Avoiding close contact with people that show signs of COVID-19
  • Wearing a mask when out in public places

If you have signs of COVID-19 and not sure what it is, you can consider our ER for testing.

Are you looking for an emergency room in Houston, TX? At Ascent Emergency Room, we care about your health and their emergency needs. We are located just a little away from you and provide exceptional and comprehensive emergency care appointments for the surrounding Houston area:

  • (Southampton) University Place
  • Rice Village
  • Bellaire
  • Old Braeswood
  • Gridiron
  • Brookhaven
  • Southside
  • Riverside Terrace
  • Greater Third Ward
  • Greater Eastwood
  • East Downtown
  • Midtown
  • Montrose
  • Westmoreland Houston
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