COVID-19 evaluation is now available at ALL SignatureCare Emergency Center locations in Texas.

• Are you at risk for contracting Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
• Have you recently been in an area known for community spread of COVID-19?
• Do you believe you have been around someone exposed to COVID-19?
• Have you been in contact with someone who later tested positive for COVID-19?
• Are you experiencing fever, cough, headache, or shortness of breath?
• Is your spouse, child, or family member a healthcare worker?
• Are you a healthcare worker, first responder, nurse, doctor, or someone that interacts with patients every day?

If your answer is YES to any of these questions, it may be time to get COVID-19 evaluation completed.

SignatureCare Emergency Center’s neighborhood emergency rooms throughout Texas are evaluating for COVID-19. We have three different tests for the pandemic – Antigen test, Antibody test, and Molecular (PCR) test.

• If you have COVID-19 symptoms, no scheduling is required to get evaluated
• Want to schedule an online appointment?  Please go to our emergency medical evaluation appointment page to schedule your evaluation appointment
• Wait time in the ER may be longer
• We can bill your health insurance
• Our emergency rooms are open 24/7

Below are the three types of COVID-19 tests we conduct at SignatureCare Emergency Center.

1. Antigen Test

Available at Signaturecare: Yes
On-Site? Yes.
Results typically back in 15 Minutes
Note: Due to unusually high volume, it may take longer.

Rapid antigen tests are easily performed at our ER with a nasal swab. The test detects viral protein in an actively infected person. The manufacturer published data that states that the test is 100% specific (Meaning: if it is positive it is 100% accurate), and that it is 80% sensitive (meaning: if it is negative, it is 80% accurate).

2. Antibody Test

Available at Signaturecare: Yes
On-site or Send Out? Send Out
Results typically back in 1 to 2 days
Note: Due to unusual circumstances, results may take up to 10 days or longer.

Antibody tests check your blood by looking for antibodies, which can show if you had a past infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.
Antibodies are proteins that help fight off infections and usually provide protection against getting that disease again (immunity). Antibodies are disease specific. For example, measles antibody will protect a person who is exposed again to measles but will have no effect if the person is exposed to mumps.

Depending on when someone was infected and the timing of the test, the test may not find antibodies in someone with a current COVID-19 infection. Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose active COVID-19 infection.

Molecular (PCR) Test

Available at Signaturecare: Yes
On-site or Send Out? Send Out
Results typically back in 1 to 2 days
Note: Due to unusual circumstances, results may take up to 10 days or longer.

PCR tests are performed with a nasal or oral swab. The test detects viral genetic material (RNA). It is considered very accurate but takes more time. If you have symptoms, and other tests are not showing it, then you may need to consider a PCR test.