If you’re looking to get a COVID rapid test, there are more and more options for you every day. Depending on where you’re located, you could even schedule a same-day appointment or walk into or drive through a clinic and have your test results within a few hours.
What is the COVID Rapid Test?
The rapid COVID-19 test is used to determine whether or not someone currently has COVID-19, giving them their test results within a few hours after the test. This is a good option for those who can’t wait days to weeks to find out their statuses, such as people who have to return to work or caretakers.
The rapid test is often preferred over other methods of testing and the regular test must be sent out to another lab for processing, where the rapid test is tested in-house for the quickest results.
Eligibility Requirements
Rapid testing is best used by people who are currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, people who are a part of an active outbreak, and people who have come into contact with those who have COVID-19.
If you require a test to fly, return to work, or are just curious about your COVID-19 status, you’re better off taking the regular COVID-19 test, leaving the rapid test to those who really need it. A good rule of thumb is that if you can wait a few days for test results, you should.
Testing Locations Near You
Now that you understand what the rapid test is and who is eligible to get it, it’s time to actually book an appointment. Depending on where you’re located, there are many different options for you. Most big-name pharmacies (like CVS and Walgreens) offer rapid testing, but appointments may be scarce.
Pharmacies
A lot of pharmacies are offering rapid COVID-19 testing these days, especially CVS and Walgreens, which both offer drive-through testing at some of their locations. While these are rapid tests, you still may have to wait up to 24 hours to receive your test results.
To book an appointment with one of these companies, check out their websites for available testing locations and appointment availability.
Independent Healthcare Clinics
Independently owned healthcare clinics may also offer rapid testing depending on the technology they have in-house. Most healthcare clinics offer COVID testing, but not rapid. To find out if your neighborhood healthcare clinic offers rapid COVID-19 testing, contact them directly by phone or check their website for more details.
Hospitals and Community Sites
During the pandemic, a lot of communities have set up specific sites for rapid testing in places like hospitals, convention centers, or colleges. These sites are incredibly helpful in getting rapid tests out to large quantities of people at a time.
Check out your state’s website to see if there are any testing sites available to you. Some testing sites only perform regular COVID-19 tests, but some offer rapid testing as well, especially to those who really need it.
What to Expect From the Rapid COVID-19 Test
The test is fairly straightforward and will go by quickly. A staff member will perform a throat or nasal swab (or have you perform one on yourself) and test the swab. You will usually get your results back within 24 hours.
It may seem silly, but while you’re waiting to get your test results back, you should quarantine. Even if it’s only for a few hours, you shouldn’t see anyone until you know that your results are negative.
If your test results come back positive, make sure to quarantine, get lots of rest, and contact a doctor if you start to experience severe symptoms.
