COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing: What to Expect

Two years after it unfolded in the United States, COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc, and there is still no end in sight. Testing remains an essential tool in mitigating further transmission as well as facilitating prompt treatment.

COVID-19 drive-through testing is one of the solutions that public health organizations and healthcare facilities have developed to reinforce their ongoing mitigation strategies. Drive-through testing has greatly reduced the number of people going to clinics and local hospitals to get tested, thus minimizing the risk of disease transmission in these places and helping ease the burden on healthcare workers.

Below, you’ll learn about what to expect when you visit us here at EMC Express Care in North Richland Hills for COVID-19 drive-through testing.

What to Expect When You Drive Up to Our Facility

When you arrive at our clinic, proceed to the parking lot area designated for COVID-19 testing. A member of our team will approach your vehicle. Show your photo ID through your car window, and tell our staff which tests you are to receive. Take note that some tests require an appointment, so make sure to call us ahead of time.

Our staff will then take a sterile swab and insert it high up into each of your nostrils (nasopharyngeal swab), or onto the roof of your mouth (oropharyngeal). You may feel a tickle in your throat or the urge to cough. These are temporary and usually subside within a few hours. It’s imperative to remain still while our staff obtains your sample to ensure efficiency and accuracy of results

We will then send your specimen to the lab for analysis. Depending on your type of test, you may get the results within the same day or 48 to 72 hours after.

What Your COVID-19 Test Results Mean

A negative result apparently means that there was no detectable virus in your mucus sample. A positive result means that there was a detectable virus whether or not you have symptoms, such as a fever, cough, body aches, and shortness of breath. You should isolate for 14 days after a positive test and then retest, so you can return to work or sports or be allowed to travel.

Regardless of your test results, continue to observe safety measures, such as the following:

• Wash your hands for a full 20 seconds with soap and warm water.
• Avoid touching your face and eyes.
• Stay well-hydrated.
• Stay at home if you have even mild symptoms.
• If your result came out negative, continue to wear masks when going out and avoid poorly ventilated or crowded places.

COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing in North Richland Hills, TX

If you had close contact with someone with COVID-19 or are experiencing the symptoms thereof, contact us here at EMC Express Care. We will guide you on how to go about the testing process to make it safe for you, our staff, and our other patients.

To learn more about our COVID-19 drive-through testing service or to schedule an appointment, call us at (817) 503-8800.