Omicron Variant Testing
Our COVID-19 testing kits, at-home or on-site, have the additional option of testing for COVID-19 variants with gene sequencing.
This includes the Omicron variant. This is however, an extra charge of $199 that is not currently covered by the government and the result times vary, with most results coming back within 1 week.
About Covid-19 Omicron Variant
The COVID-19 Omicron Variant: What Do We Know So Far
A new and potentially more transmissible variant of Covid-19 has emerged. Initially discovered in South Africa, the Omicron variant, has spread to over 19 countries around the world to date.
Early reports have shown that patients diagnosed with this new strain have only exhibited ‘extremely mild’ symptoms. However, it is also important to note that these early reports have been in the younger generations who have typically proven to be more resilient.
Understand The Science
The Omicron variant is a new strain of Covid-19 that contains a far more complex protein profile (the component of the virus that binds the cells) than any of its known predecessors, consisting of more than 30 mutations.
The more mutations in a variant, technically the easier it will become for the virus to spread – possibly triggering a new wave of infections.
How does a strain become a variant of concern?
A strain becomes a variant of concern (VOC) once it meets the following criteria set out by the World Health Organization:
- Signs of increased transmissibility
2. A change in clinical disease presentation
3. A significant number of cases in multiple countries
4. Considerable decline in antibodies, including vaccines, treatments, therapeutics, & previous infections.
Is it more severe than the Delta variant?
The Omicron variant evidently has a higher number of mutations compared to the Delta variant; however, while the Delta variant has so far caused the majority of Covid-19 cases around the world, it will take more time to determine whether or not the Omicron variant takes over as the dominant strain.
What are the symptoms?
Most cases for the Omicron variant have so far been extremely mild. Dr. Angelique Coetzee, chair of the South African Medical Association & one of the first doctors to notice the transmission of this strain, says the most common symptoms of those diagnosed with the Omicron variant are:
- Severe fatigue of 1 to 2 days
2. Minor headache
3. Body pain
4. ‘Scratchy’ throat
Are current Covid-19 vaccines effective against the Omicron variant?
With Omicron’s protein profile suggesting stronger antibody resistance, it’s not yet possible to reach any definite conclusions without having adequate concrete data.
Vaccine-makers (primarily Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson) are racing to find answers, to have a better idea of whether a specific vaccine may be needed to combat the Omicron variant.
What can you do?
With still so much left to uncover about the potential impact of the Omicron variant, this should prompt everyone to continue practicing basic safety protocols, including wearing face masks, observing proper hand hygiene, social distancing, avoiding crowded areas and getting tested whenever any Covid-related symptoms develop or even as a matter of routine safety where necessary.
Book Your Omicron variant Testing Now
Covid-19 Omicron Testing Location
1178 Broadway, 3RD Floor, New York, NY 10001
How to get here ?
Fast Lab is located at:
1178 Broadway in Midtown
The building entrance is on 28th St between Broadway and 5th Avenue, right next to Lady M bakery.
We are located on the third floor.
Upon exiting the elevator turn right and proceed through the glass door. Walk down the hall to suite 330.
We are right next to the 28th Street R, W line and a short walk from the N, Q, B, D, F, M 1, 2, 3, 6 lines and PATH Train.
COVID-19 OMICRON TEST
As an add-on option to your regular COVID-19 test, we offer Omicron Variant Testing at a $99 extra charge that cannot currently be covered by the government.
We offer this service as an additional step to your original SARS-CoV-2 test, whether it’s on-site here in our Coronavirus testing centre in NYC, or with your at-home, self-administered collection kit. The results of this service may take up to one week, after we receive your sample collection at our testing labs.
If you would like to test for the Omicron Variant in addition to your COVID-19 test at an extra cost of $99, please book a slot. If you would not like the additional Omicron Variant test, please simply book only for the COVID-19 test.