Though the pandemic situation is easing slightly over time, the widespread testing option is still not to be overlooked as vaccination is not widespread yet.
Though some people are using rapid testing kits, they are not that reliable as we know. That’s why to drive through testing sites are gaining popularity as it is quicker and safer.
You can now get a COVID-19 test from your car, just like you order fast food at a restaurant front. Let’s take a look at how to drive through testing feels like.
How Does Drive-Thru Testing work?
The selection to the specimen is close to what happens when you are tested for strep throat. Based on fevers, chills, cough or shortness of breath, symptomatic patients are being screened. Lacking these criteria, you don’t need to be checked.
What Do You need?
You need an order from a health care practitioner who is licensed. Then, you need an appointment in the sample collection site.
Without first making an appointment, individuals can not automatically drive up. And they must travel in a private motor vehicle; for example, no cabs, scooters, motorcycles, or traffic on foot.
Some Key Things to Remember
- The specimen is collected in a tent that is shut off from public view.
- Patients remain in private motor cars until the sample is obtained with the windows up. To gather saliva and mucous, they are asked to tip their heads back, and a surgical swab stick is put on the back of the throat. There is a cotton tip on a sterile swab. The sample is collected near the tonsils of a patient.
- A drive-thru testing site is not exactly a testing site. Only the sample is collected from there. That’s why stringent safety procedures are followed. Testing of off-site laboratories is being carried out. Medical staff wear safety clothing at the drive-through site. Neon orange traffic cones direct traffic into the tent. Motorbikes are turned away and ordered to make a U-turn without order and appointment.
- No one is being examined at this site under the age of 18. However, when you come with family and have an appointed, every family member can be checked.
What If You Test Positive?
People who test positive should lock themselves in a room, drink water, check their fever, and take care of themselves. But unless it is warranted, for instance, they should stop pursuing emergency medical attention for shortness of breath. For more, see the advice from the CDC on what to do if you are ill.
Final Note
Inside the convenience and privacy of your own vehicle, Drive-through COVID-19 tests offer a reliable and stable experience. They help reduce the number of patients attending hospitals and clinics for coronavirus rapid test, reduce the pressure on the pandemic’s health care staff, and minimize the further transmission of the disease.
If you have signs of COVID-19, consult with your health care provider and schedule a drive-through COVID-19 exam to assess your illness and treat your symptoms.
