Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 8:14 am
COVID testing is important. It can help identify an infection early and increase your chances of not reaching the ICU. One way to further protect both patients and health care workers is through the ability to take a COVID test at a drive up window. Taking a drive-thru COVID test is safe for all those involved, quick, and effective. If you are experiencing any coronavirus symptoms, you are encouraged to not only get tested but also consider taking a drive-thru test.
What is involved with a drive-thru COVID test
The first thing you are going to need to do is to find a location near you. HealthCARE Express has a drive-thru location in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. You can see which location is nearest to you by visiting our website as well as further in this article. Once you find the best location for you, book your appointment online. An appointment is required.
The next thing will be to determine which test you will need. HealthCARE Express offers two of the four available tests via drive-thru. These tests are the Rapid COVID-19 test and the Rapid COVID-19 PCR test. Both of these tests are nasal swab tests and generally the results are available the same day. Please note that airlines, event venues, surgical centers, and other places may have specific requirements for entry or may require a PCR test. Make sure you have all the details about which test you specifically need before you book your appointment. If you require a physician's letter, you will not be able to do a drive-thru COVID-19 test and will need to book a standard appointment.
Before your test, make sure you properly prepare. Do not take any fever reducing medications for at least 6 hours prior to your test. Don’t eat anything prior to your test. You may also further protect yourself by limiting the number of people in your vehicle when you come to take your test.
Results for COVID tests are available both through the patient portal on our website as well as through our app. You can download our app here. Your test results will be available on the same day by 9pm. We encourage you to stay at home and away from others until the results of your test have arrived and you have tested negative. Please follow CDC guidelines for a test that has come back positive.
How Long Does A Drive-Thru COVID Test Take
The actual testing will take around 10 minutes. Your test will consist of 1-2 samples via a nasal swab. The specimens will then be securely transferred to our lab. At HealthCARE Express, all of our urgent care locations have an in-house lab. This also includes all of our drive-thru testing locations as well. Because of our in-house lab, we are able to provide you same day results which is generally much faster than other testing facilities.
Why Is It Safer To Take A Drive-Thru COVID Test
There is still much unknown about the coronavirus. We do know that it is an airborne disease and has the ability to stay active on surfaces. Plus, we know that you can spread the disease before you even start to show symptoms. With this knowledge, we know it’s best to limit exposure. By being able to stay in the car, you help to prevent the spread of the virus in public places. Also, you are protected from people and staff in the facility who may have come in contact with the virus but not yet showing symptoms. The more we can limit exposure, the more we can put an end to the spread of COVID-19.
Who Should Take A Drive-Thru COVID Test
If you feel you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus or have been around with someone who has developed the virus, you should get tested immediately. It doesn’t matter if it’s inside a testing facility or through a drive-thru facility. The faster you can determine if you have symptoms, the better your chances are of a successful treatment. People within these following “high risk” categories should especially get tested and really should consider a drive-thru COVID test.
Over the age of 65
Are immunocompromised
Have underlying health conditions
Are experiencing coronavirus symptoms
You work in the healthcare industry
The only way to be sure is to get tested. Better to be tested and come back negative than not to be tested and further spread the disease.
Helping To End the Virus
At HealthCARE Express, we are committed to doing our part to stop the spread of COVID-19. We now have drive-thru testing open at our Wake Village, TX location as well as at our Bryant, AR, Edmond, OK, and Shreveport, LA locations. We can assist with most illness testing as well as your urgent care needs. Go online to schedule your appointment today and help us put an end to this pandemic as well as keep you healthy.
