What is a pandemic? Is COVID one?

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization stated that COVID-19, the illness caused by a newly identified coronavirus, can be characterized as a pandemic because it has spread around the world and affects many people.

What is COVID?

Found mostly in animals, coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. In humans, they can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV). The illness caused by this new coronavirus has been named COVID-19.‎

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses, including the flu and the common cold. Symptoms may include fever, sore throat, loss of sense of smell or taste, loss of appetite, chills, nausea and vomiting, cough or exacerbation of chronic cough, headache, muscle aches, shortness of breath, fatigue, runny nose or diarrhea. Other symptoms, although less common, include stuffy nose, conjunctivitis (pink eye), dizziness, confusion, abdominal pain, and skin rashes or discoloration of fingers or toes.

How does it spread?

Mainly through community escalation, the virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. You can learn how to protect yourself by clicking here.

What does our test offer for you?

COVID-19 has people looking for answers about symptoms and testing sites. We understand that people need fast and reliable answers to their most pressing concerns now more than ever, especially from home where they’re safe. Ambrose uses real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which means the test is done on respiratory samples obtained by nasopharyngeal swabs.

How long does the process take?

Ambrose strives on being as efficient and accurate as possible to ensure you get your test kit and results quickly and easily. Once you get your kit, administer the swab, and submit your sample back to us, we’ll have your results for you in a 24-hour turnaround time.

Why should I use this test?

If you’re concerned about being potentially infected with COVID, this test can accurately provide you with peace of mind surrounding the unknown. Not only will you be able to avoid waiting rooms, which therefore will keep you and others out of risk, but you can also enjoy the comfort of your own home while using our accurate services in a quick and efficient manner.

Can I order for my employees?

Yes you can! Ambrose is intensifying efforts to make the creation of large/population scale testing possible for offices and organizations. Putting your staff/workforce ahead means you putting mechanisms in place to make sure they are adequately tested and reducing in-staff risks and contagion. These efforts can be combined with the work plan safety adjustments your organization is making for effective working during this pandemic. Our Workforce Testing Program can be learned about here.

What is the extent of the Workforce Testing Program?

Ambrose not only does mass testing orders for offices and organizations, but we also offer enough resources to offer testing to an entire city or county. You can learn more about our civil testing program here.

What is Genetic Testing?

Genetic testing sequences DNA to identify any different mutations, differences, or anomalies that may result in the development of hereditary conditions. Prior to ordering a genetic test, we recommend that you educate yourself about the procedure, benefits, limitations and possible consequences of a test result by reading about our tests here. When you’ve educated yourself about the tests and essentially obtained permission for testing, you’ve acquired informed consent. This means you can change your mind about wanting the process even after the test sample has already been collected.

What is the Difference Between Genetic Testing vs. Genomic Testing?

Genetic testing identifies variations in our DNA that we are born with and through prior clinical research we can deduce how these variations may affect our health now or in the future. Genomic testing identifies abnormalities or mutations that occur as a result of cancer and are only found in cancer cells.

Genetic Testing Pros and Cons?

Genetic test results can help you make informed decisions about managing your health care proactively. For example, a negative test result can eliminate the need for unnecessary checkups and screening tests, whereas a positive result can direct you toward available prevention, monitoring and treatment options. The tests are also non-invasive, can be taken from home, and help keep you stress-free regarding any financial, emotional or social complications because of the test results. Genetic test results can help you make informed decisions about managing your health care proactively. For example, a negative test result can eliminate the need for unnecessary checkups and screening tests, whereas a positive result can direct you toward available prevention, monitoring and treatment options. The tests are also non-invasive, can be taken from home, and help keep you stress-free regarding any financial, emotional or social complications because of the test results.

Is Ambrose’s Genetic Testing Covered by Health Insurance?

In most cases, your health insurance or medicare will cover the cost of testing if genetic testing is recommended to you by your doctor. If you are interested in ordering genetic tests, you should contact your insurance company beforehand and ask about coverage.

Will it cost me anything?

We don't advertise our services as being “free”. There may be little to no out of pocket cost to you, which is different. We also (by law) offer a deeply discounted cash option for patients that do not have insurance coverage.