These tests differ from the older ones in what they detect to determine infection, and this increases the chance of a false negative, meaning the test came back negative even though you have COVID-19. Some testing sites offer newer “rapid tests” which only take 15 minutes to produce results. Drive-thru testing sites will not likely have bathroom facilities, so plan ahead. Be prepared for long on-site wait times, especially if you’re in a big city and your testing site doesn’t require scheduled appointments (and even if it does). If you’re located in a current COVID-19 hot spot, the demand for drive-thru testing may be very high. Your testing site will have instructions on how you will receive your test results. Including transit times, your test results should ideally be available within 24 to 48 hours, but delays can extend the processing time to up to a week. Your sample(s) will then be sent to a lab for testing. Medical workers will collect 1-2 samples from you with a nasal or throat swab, and the whole process takes less than 10 minutes. Most drive-thru sites do not have actual testing capability they just collect specimens. How long does a drive-thru coronavirus test take? The idea is simple: By keeping potentially sick patients in their cars and allowing plenty of ventilation throughout the testing facility, the risk of spreading COVID-19 is drastically reduced. Patients who don’t have COVID-19 may be exposed to it while they are waiting for a test at a hospital or clinic.ĭrive-thru testing for coronavirus was first implemented in South Korea and quickly adopted in other countries. While much is still unknown about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), one thing is certain - it’s highly contagious. Why is drive-thru coronavirus testing a safe option? Then read the instructions provided to see if you qualify to get tested at these locations. If you search for “COVID test” on your web browser or the Google Maps smartphone app, it will pull up a list of nearby testing sites. Pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Kroger now collect specimens or offer rapid testing at many of their locations nationwide. Visit your state’s department of health website for community-based testing sites.Ĭheck your local retail pharmacy. They are your first stop for getting screened for COVID-19 and referred to a testing site. Here are some quick ways to find a testing location close and convenient to you:Ĭall your primary care physician. How do I find a coronavirus testing site near me?ĬOVID-19 tests are now more accessible than ever as healthcare clinics, such as primary care clinics and urgent care centers, and pharmacies increasingly work with labs to provide testing in their local communities. To find a specific type of testing site, look at the “Facility” column, or search one of the following: drive-thru, walk-thru, hospital, or clinic. This list is compiled from a variety of sources including health department websites, online news websites, hospital and clinic websites, and social media. If you can’t find a testing site near you on the list, here are some simple ways to look for one. This database is no longer being frequently updated, so be sure to confirm the details of the testing site online or by phone. Note: As of October 30, we list 8,413 testing sites nationwide. Always check the link or call the number provided before heading to a testing site. The amount of testing kits available, the weather, and long lines may affect day-to-day operations. Some testing sites are only open to high-risk people, first responders and medical workers, or members of private healthcare groups. Where are drive-thru coronavirus tests available?īelow are the coronavirus drive-thru testing sites by state.
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