Is COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing Reliable?

Tens of thousands of Americans are still contracting the novel coronavirus every day almost two years after the first wave, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As COVID-19 surge continues unabated, testing remains an invaluable resource, allowing for quick identification of cases, prompt treatment, and immediate isolation to prevent further spread of the disease.

With the ongoing mitigation strategies of public health organizations and healthcare facilities, more and more innovative solutions have been developed. Among these is drive-through testing, which not only provides equally reliable results but also promotes safety, efficiency, and convenience. Drive-through testing essentially helps reduce the number of people visiting local hospitals and clinics to get tested, thereby decreasing the risk of disease transmission in these settings. This, in turn, helps ease the burden on healthcare workers, who are bearing the brunt of the pandemic.

Here at EMC Express Care in North Richland Hills, Texas, our entire team stands with public health organizations and the families in the communities we serve in the fight against COVID-19. As such, we offer a variety of testing options to meet our patients’ needs, including drive-through testing.

The following information aims to help you get a better grasp of drive-through testing, specifically how it works here at our facility.

How Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Works

On the day of your appointment, you drive to our designated testing location. When you get there, make sure to enter the appropriate lane. Wait for our staff to approach your vehicle to record your personal information.

After our staff gleans your information, they will proceed with obtaining a sample of your mucus for laboratory analysis. They will ask you to tilt your head, then insert a long, thin cotton-tipped plastic swab deep inside your nose (nasopharyngeal sampling) or the back of your throat (oropharyngeal sampling). The swab will brush along the back of your throat or nasal cavity, remaining there for a few seconds to ensure enough sample is obtained.

Once we’re done obtaining your sample, you can drive back home. We will send your sample to the laboratory for analysis, and you can get the result within 48 to 72 hours.

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

If you experience the symptoms of COVID-19, don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated healthcare professionals here at EMC Express Care, who can guide you on what to do and how to safely go about the testing process. We will likely drive-through testing to ensure your convenience and the safety of both our staff and our other patients.

To learn more about our COVID-19 testing options or to arrange an appointment, call us at (817) 503-8800. We look forward to serving you!