COVID-19 Public Testing Guidelines and Resources for Employers
The following FAQs explain Munson Healthcare’s testing priorities and provides guidelines and resources for public testing:
| Test type |
How does it work? |
Can I trust it? |
Should I get one? |
| PCR Viral Test |
A nasal or throat swab that detects the genetic presence of the virus. |
Yes. Viral tests are the most accurate and reliable COVID-19 tests to date. |
Your primary care provider will order a PCR test if you are showing symptoms or have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual. This test may be ordered by your provider before certain surgeries and procedures. |
| Antibody Test |
A blood test that detects the presence of antibodies that may have developed as a response to the presence of a virus. |
No. Antibody tests are still presenting a high percentage of false positive and false negative tests. |
Munson Healthcare recommends antibody testing only as part of a recognized data study. There is no clinical use for antibody testing at this time. |
| Antigen Test |
A swab or blood test that detects antigen - which is the molecule on the virus’s surface causing the body to create viral antibodies. |
No. Antigen tests are not FDA- approved and are presenting a high rate of false negative tests that must be confirmed with a PCR test. |
Munson Healthcare does not provide antigen testing at this time. |
Common Questions about COVID-19 Testing
My employer is requiring a COVID-19 test before I return to work. What should I do?
Munson Healthcare is not recommending testing of asymptomatic employees as part of a return-to-work program. If your employer is requiring testing, please consult your primary care provider. He or she will order a PCR test if you are showing symptoms or have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual.
Your provider can help determine if you need a test and where that testing should be done. Testing may or may not be necessary depending on your individual case. If you do not have a primary care provider, please contact our COVID-19 Hotline at 231-935-0951.
You may also find testing sites at michigan.gov/coronavirustest.
What if I’m a recovered COVID-19 patient and begin showing symptoms again?
If you’re showing symptoms a second time, please contact your primary care provider to discuss your case.
Your provider may advise another round of self-isolation or order another test. COVID-19 recurrence is extremely unlikely and your primary care provider can help to determine the cause of your symptoms and the right course of action.
Should I be tested if I’m just curious?
Your primary care provider will order a PCR test if you are showing symptoms or have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual. Munson Healthcare is not recommending testing if you are asymptomatic. A spot test is not very helpful because it does not rule out early infection nor the possibility of becoming infected any time after the test is done. Unless mass testing is done as part of a well-designed study, testing “everyone” has very limited value.
What is the Munson Healthcare COVID-19 Hotline?
The Munson Healthcare COVID-19 Hotline 231-935-0951 is open to the public and is staffed by Munson Healthcare nurses Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm. The Munson Healthcare COVID-19 Hotline is a great resource for anyone who does not currently have a primary care provider.