COVID-19: GETTING TESTED

 ** Note: information is changing rapidly. We wil update this page as we learn more **

Types of COVID-19 tests

PCR Tests: are the most sensitive tests available and usually take 24-72 hours to get results. These tests can detect the virus before you are contagious and long after. Once infected, PCR tests may remain positive for 2 months or longer, long after you have stopped being contagious. For this reason, PCR tests should not be used for clearance to return to school or work after a COVID-19 infection.

Home Rapid Antigen Tests: these can provide helpful information about your possible contagiousness when you are planning to gather inside with people who do not live with you. Rapid tests give you a snapshot of whether or not you have enough virus to be contagious at the time you take the test. These tests are far less sensitive, however, than PCR tests, and may be falsely negative, especially within the first 5 or so days of an infection. They are more reliable when you are symptomatic with COVID than when asymptomatic, such as when used after an exposure. They can be helpful to check for ongoing contagiousness when ending a quarantine/isolation period. These test results are usually ready in 15 minutes.

How to get tested

Testing at Amherst Pediatrics
Symptomatic testing is available at Amherst Pediatrics or at an offsite, drive-through facility through a referral by one of our providers. Our capacity to test patients on-site at Amherst Pediatrics is limited, and will be determined by our clincal team. If you believe you have symptoms of COVID-19, please call us at (413) 253-3773 and speak to a member of our clincial team for guidance.

Asymptomatic testing in the community

Hours: Monday thru Friday 9:00 AM - 5:30PM; Sat-Sun 9:30a

Other Testing Resources

  • Request your free at-home tests from the Federal program at www.covidtests.gov
  • A listing of other testing resources can also be found here
  • Insurance reimbursement information for at-home tests can be found here
  • Access the Massachusetts COVID-19 testing information here
  • If you deposit your kit on Friday or over the weekend, expect results by Monday evening or Tuesday.
  • Have you received a positive result from a test? Click here to find out what you should do next.

How to interpret test results

If your COVID home (antigen) test is negative
▪ If symptomatic, isolate until all your symptoms resolve. Consider following it up with a molecular (PCR) test at locations within the Commonwealth or repeating the antigen test 24 hours or more later. You can find isolation and quarantine guidance on the state’s COVID website. You need to isolate when you are sick or when you have been infected with the virus, even if you don’t have symptoms. Quarantine is for people who have been exposed to someone with COVID. Learn how to give yourself a rapid self-test.
▪ If you tested negative with a home test following an exposure to COVID, follow the current guidelines related to quarantine (see below). If you develop symptoms, you should test again.
▪ If you are still feeling ill, contact your physician or health care provider. They may wish to test you for other infections such as flu, for which specific treatment is available.

If your COVID test is positive
▪ If your home (antigen) test is positive, you do not need a PCR test. You are COVID positive.
▪ Isolate and notify your close contacts of your positive test.
▪ If your symptoms are mild, and you are not at high risk for serious complications, stay home, stay hydrated, use over-the-counter medications for symptom relief, and isolate.
▪ If you are at high risk (immunocompromised, on cancer treatment, over age 65, or have chronic lung, health, kidney, or liver disease, diabetes, or obesity), contact your health provider. Your physician may refer you for treatment.

If you have been exposed to someone who has COVID
▪ Consider testing yourself at least 5 days following exposure, or if you have any symptoms.
▪ If you aren’t up to date on your COVID vaccine (primary series and booster if eligible), you should quarantine following a close contact with someone with COVID. See the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website for the most up-to-date guidance.

Protecting yourself and others
▪ Get vaccinated and receive your booster shot when eligible. Vaccine may not prevent every mild infection, but is proven to reduce infections, severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
▪ Get your flu shot. Influenza is circulating in New England and has symptoms and illness similar to, and sometimes worse than COVID.
▪ Wear a close-fitting mask in indoor public spaces and whenever social distancing isn’t possible. Use good hand hygiene, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

If you have respiratory symptoms
▪ Stay home from work or school and avoid public places.
▪ You should get tested. You can use a rapid home test kit (antigen test). If you don’t have access to a home test, testing locations can be found as indicatedabove, or by going to the state’s testing webpage.
▪ Do not go to the Emergency Department to get a COVID test.
▪ Go to the Emergency Department or call 911 if you have severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or dizziness, inability to stay awake, or skin color changes.

COVID-19 symptoms include:

  • Fever and/or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle/body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Nasal congestion or runny nose (in addition to at least one other symptom)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea 
  • Make sure to read all the instructions on the slip of paper in your kit.

Contact Us

Our Address
31 Hall Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Tel: (413) 253-3773
Fax: (413) 256-0215
Email: [email protected]

Patient Care Hours:
Monday-Friday
8:00 AM - 4:45 PM: In-office and MyChart Telehealth visits
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: MyChart Telehealth visits only

Sat
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: MyChart Telehealth visits only

* Please note: It is our policy that we do not approve referral requests for visits to outside urgent care centers during times that our office is open.

Holidays
We are open for urgent visits only on most Holidays. However, our office is closed on the following holidays:

- New Year's Day
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day
- July 4th
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day

For urgent concerns, you can always reach an on-call provider, even when our office is closed.