Rapid COVID-19 tests now available at USA Health drive-through testing center
The COVID-19 antigen test works by collecting a sample from both nostrils that is then checked for detection of proteins from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
The USA Health COVID-19 drive-through testing center at the Mobile Civic Center now offers the BD rapid antigen test for first responders, USA Health and USA employees and patients.
The COVID-19 antigen test works by collecting a sample from both nostrils that is then checked for detection of proteins from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
It typically takes about 15 minutes to get results.
“Antigen tests look for pieces of proteins that make up the SARS- CoV-2 virus to determine if the person has an active infection,” said Natalie Fox, DNP, chief nursing officer for USA Health Physicians Group. “While this is a rapid screening tool, this test may not be used as the only screening to see if patients have an active infection with COVID-19.”
It’s vital to understand, Fox said, if you are in the early stages of infection or test too closely to the date of your exposure to COVID-19, your test might be negative and you could still be infected.
At the USA Health testing site, if a rapid antigen test is negative, a nose and throat swab test may still be done to confirm COVID-19 infection.
If this antigen test is positive or the follow-up nose and throat swab are positive, a patient should:
- Self-quarantine at home (away from all others) for at least 10 days or as instructed by your provider.
- Avoid public places including: work, church, grocery stores, gas stations, any drive-through, or any other place where you will be exposed to others.
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately for further instructions, if you develop a fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms OR any of your symptoms get worse.
- Should be tested again, if you start to have symptoms of COVID-19 in the future. These symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, body aches, sore throat and loss of sense of smell or taste.
It’s important to know, Fox said, that not all marketed COVID-19 antigen tests have been tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The rapid test utilized by USA Health has been approved by the FDA.