Both the Abbott ID Now and the RT-PCR are molecular tests that allow the detection of minuscule amounts of nucleic acids such as viral RNA in a biological specimen. The principle behind these tests consists of multiplying the viral RNA in a specimen thousands if not millions of times in order to analyze it.

Abbot ID NOW molecular nucleic acid amplification test is a rapid, instrument-based, isothermal (constant temperature) system for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This state-of-the-art technology allows for test results in just minutes. In comparison, the RT-PCR cycles through temperatures that heat and cool the specimen. RT-PCR test results generally take longer but can detect lower levels of viral RNA.

Our tests require a sample taken through a shallow nasal swab. It is important to note that our tests have been validated and FDA-authorized to be performed with a nasal swab (½ inch into the nose) and do not require a nasopharyngeal swab (the dreaded deep sample).

Our antigen tests have a PPA (sensitivty) of 84-88% and NPA (specificity) of 100% and perform best within 5 days of symptoms onset. The Abbott ID Now has a sensitivity of 95.0% and a specificity of 98% and performs best within seven days of symptom onset.

We have tents set up near your place of work or at a location that's accessible to everyone in your community. These specimen collection sites are manned by healthcare workers. This will guarantee that every step of the process the specimen taken from you is labeled, tracked, and protected.

We also have mobile collection units available for mass testing at workplaces, academic institutions, and community centers.

You may decide to get tested if you believe that you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus; have symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing; or simply wish to have peace of mind.

If you have been in close contact (within 6 feet) of a person with a COVID-19 infection for at least 15 minutes but do not have symptoms, then your healthcare provider or State or local public health officials will likely recommend that you get tested.

You may also seek testing if you live in or have recently traveled to a place where community transmission of COVID-19 is known to occur and you are concerned about possible asymptomatic transmission.

Potential risks include:

• Possible discomfort or other complications that can happen during sample collection. This will be minimized by using a nasal sample instead of a nasopharyngeal.
• Possible incorrect test result (see below for more information on false positives and false negatives).

Potential benefits include:

• The results, along with other information, can help your healthcare provider make informed recommendations about your care.
• The results of this test may help limit the spread of COVID-19 to your family and others in your community.

15toKnow tests take as little as 15 minutes to produce your test result. A certified copy of your test result is delivered to you as soon as the testing process is complete.

You may also have the results forwarded directly to your healthcare provider (either a physician or nurse practitioner) to attest the reason for testing. If you'd rather have a printed copy without a health practitioner attestation, we could also furnish that for you.

Anyone can get tested at 15toKnow whether symptomatic, with an exposure, or needing peace of mind. Once you sign up, you will be given a questionnaire and our healthcare providers will review your information.

No test in the US has yet been approved by the FDA. When there are no FDA-approved tests available the FDA can make tests available under an emergency access mechanism called an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

All our tests are FDA authorized under an EUA. The EUA for our tests are supported by the Secretary of Health and Human Service’s (HHS's) declaration that circumstances exist to justify the emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for the detection and/or diagnosis of the virus that causes COVID-19.

This EUA will remain in effect (meaning this test can be used) for the duration of the COVID-19 declaration justifying emergency use of In Vitro Diagnostic Tests, unless it is terminated or revoked by FDA (after which the test may no longer be used).

Our tests will be charged to you upfront but they may be reimbursable under certain conditions: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFRC) and CARES ACT state that Medicaid/Medicare and Private Insurers must reimburse 100% of the test cost if:

• The test was authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization.
• The patient had a doctor or nurse practitioner dictate that testing was indicated.

After you've received your result, you may request an itemized receipt to help@15toknow.com and we will send you a document with all the information required by your insurance provider to submit for reimbursement. Because each insurance provider makes an independent determination, we cannot guarantee that they will reimburse 100%.

According to the FFCRA, insurance plans may cover each COVID-19 diagnostic test when it's medically appropriate as determined by a healthcare provider.

Even when you have had multiple diagnostic tests for COVID-19, the plan or issuer is required to cover each test as well as other applicable items and services.

There are no additional fees for any of our rapid tests. The FFCRA/CARES act mandates that insurers must cover services rendered for COVID-19 when determined necessary by a healthcare provider.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has spread throughout the world. COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness.

You can become infected by coming into close contact (about 6 feet or two arm lengths) with a person who has COVID-19. COVID-19 is primarily spread from person to person. You can become infected from respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. You may also be able to get it by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

The best way to protect yourself is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.

• Stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with others.
• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth in public settings.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Talk to your doctor about vaccination.

Everday Social Distancing

• Buy groceries and medicine, go to the doctor, and complete banking activities online when possible.
• If you must go in person, stay at least 6 feet away from others and disinfect items you must touch.
• Get deliveries and takeout, and limit in-person contact as much as possible. Prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick.

Preventing the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick

• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
• Separate yourself from other people and pets in your home.
• There is no specific treatment for COVID-19, but you can seek medical care to help relieve your symptoms.
• If you need medical attention, call ahead.

Everyone is at risk of getting COVID-19. Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more severe illness

If you have a positive test result, it's very likely that you have COVID-19. Therefore, it's also likely that you may be placed in isolation to avoid spreading the virus to others. There is a very small chance that this test can give a positive result that is wrong (a false positive result). Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine how best to care for you based on the test results along with medical history, and your symptoms.

A negative test result means that the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found in your sample. For COVID-19, a negative test result for a sample collected while a person has symptoms usually means that COVID-19 did not cause your recent illness.

However, it is possible for this test to give a negative result that is incorrect (false negative) in some people with COVID-19. This means that you could possibly still have COVID-19 even though the test is negative.

If this is the case, your healthcare provider will consider the test result together with all other aspects of your medical history (such as symptoms, possible exposures, and geographical location of places you have recently traveled) in deciding how to care for you. It is important that you work with your healthcare provider to help you understand the next steps you should take.

• Notify your close contacts and let them know they should quarantine at home for 14 days from their last date of exposure to you. Your household members should quarantine the entire time you are in isolation at home plus an additional 14 days after you are released from isolation (if they had ongoing exposure to you in the home).
• Self-isolate in your home until each of the following conditions are met:
  • At least 1 day (24 hours) has passed since recovery, defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever reducing medications and improvement in symptoms.
  • At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
• If your symptoms get worse or if you require hospitalization, notify your healthcare provider immediately and follow instructions about wearing a mask when you arrive at the facility.
• If you do not need hospitalization, continue to self-isolate at home.

• If you had a known exposure to a confirmed case, continue to quarantine until 14 days after your exposure.
• If you were tested but had no known exposure to a confirmed case, and you are asymptomatic, you can stop your self-quarantine.
• If you were tested but had no known exposure to a confirmed case, and you are symptomatic, you may have another respiratory pathogen that is circulating in the community. Avoid work and group settings until three days after the last day of your respiratory symptoms and fever.

Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

* This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. ** Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

Yes, you can! There is no limit to the number of tests that you can get through 15toKnow. After all, the results you receive indicate your state of health only at the time the specimen was collected from you. You can still be exposed to the virus after you have been tested.