COVID-19 Testing and Prevention | APMadison
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Updated as of May 2, 2023

Testing

Associated Physicians is able to test for both COVID-19 and antibodies.

 

  • Due to staffing, space, and supplies, we can only test those WITH COVID-19 symptoms at this time. Depending on several clinic factors, testing appointments may be taking place on certain days and/or during hours. ​If you have symptoms, please call (608) 233-9746 for screening and scheduling. 

  • If you have NO symptoms but want to be tested, please see testing information and locations from Public Health MDC or the WI Department of Health Services.

  • You should receive your results within 1-4 days of testing.

  • Free Home Testing Kits 

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Associated Physicians COVID-19 Test Pricing

 
 

CDC: What You Need to Know About Testing

Types of COVID-19 Tests

 

COVID-19 tests can detect either SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, or antibodies that your body makes after getting COVID-19 or after getting vaccinated. Tests for SARS-CoV-2 tell you if you have an infection at the time of the test. This type of test is called a “viral” test because it looks for viral infection. Antigen or Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) are viral tests. Tests for antibodies may tell you if you have had a past infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. Your body creates antibodies after getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 or after getting vaccinated against COVID-19. These tests are called “antibody” or “serology” tests.

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Viral Tests

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A viral test tells you if you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. There are two types of viral tests: rapid tests and laboratory tests. Viral tests use samples that come from your nose or mouth. Rapid tests can be performed in minutes and can include antigen and some NAATs. Laboratory tests can take days to complete and include RT-PCR and other types of NAATs. Some test results may need confirmatory testing. Self-tests are rapid tests that can be taken at home or anywhere, are easy to use, and produce rapid results. COVID-19 self-tests are one of many risk-reduction measures, along with vaccination, masking, and physical distancing, that protect you and others by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19.

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Antibody Tests

 

An antibody test (also known as a serology test) can detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in your blood. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to help fight infection and protect you from getting sick in the future. Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose a current infection, but may indicate if you had a past infection. Antibody tests help scientists learn about how human immune systems defend against the virus, as well as learn about population-level protection.

Antibody testing is not currently recommended to determine:

  • If you have a current infection.

  • If you have immunity to SARS-CoV-2 following COVID-19 vaccination.

  • Whether you need to get vaccinated if you are not fully vaccinated.

  • Whether you need to quarantine after a known or suspected exposure to COVID-19.

You should always discuss your test results with your healthcare provider.

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CDC COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation (Q&I) Calculator

This is a tool from the CDC to help determine how long you need to isolate, quarantine, or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19. People who have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or have COVID-19 can use this tool to determine if they need to isolate, quarantine, or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19. The calculator does not apply to certain groups and high-risk settings. Click "Get Started" to begin the assessment.​

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