Update on Coronavirus testing at Catalina Island Health

Updated Information on Coronavirus testing eligibility at Catalina Island Health

The CI Health has two Coronavirus-related tests available. These two tests are available to persons regardless of insurance status or documentation status.

One of the tests (the nasal swab) screens for the presence of coronavirus virus.  The second test (blood test) screens for the presence of the antibodies to the virus. Both need an appointment with a provider -- there will be no out of pocket costs associated with either the appointment or the tests.

Antigen Testing

The nasopharyngeal antigen test screens for an active case of coronavirus.

This is done via a swab inserted into both nostrils and sent to the mainland for processing.

The test results are returned to CI Health in 2-4 days. This test shows if a patient has active coronavirus.

People that are eligible for the test are as follows: Any of the following conditions

• Fever
• Respiratory or GI symptoms
• Loss of taste/smell
• Vulnerable population
  • Travel to high risk population
  • Health care worker or contact with COVID +patient
  • Age over 60, diabetes, immunocompromised, pregnant, heart/lung/kidney disease

Antibody Testing

The antibody test is a blood draw, and the results are received in 1-2 days.

CI Health is currently using an antibody test offered by Quest lab.

People that are eligible for this test are people that have had a respiratory or GI illness anywhere from January 2020 to at least one week prior to screening date.

People eligible to the test are as follows. Anyone with recent illness including symptoms of:

Fever, difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell, GI symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting) lethargy/ malaise.