COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Those infected with the virus can experience mild to moderate respiratory illnesses without needing much recovery time. However, in more severe cases, it will require medical attention.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you might not realize that you can walk into an urgent care facility for quick, non-invasive testing. Read on to explore the reasons urgent care centers make for great COVID testing locations.
Non-Invasive Testing
Urgent care clinics perform COVID-19 testing by swabbing mucus samples from your nose or throat without being overly invasive. For instance, they can take samples from the middle of the nose instead of deep within your nasal cavity. Furthermore, because it’s less invasive, it’s less discomforting, which makes for easier testing.
Licensed, Experienced Staff
When you walk into an urgent care facility, you’ll encounter experienced medical staff who will gladly take care of you. Clinics provide licensed medical and pharmaceutical staff who have prior experience in testing, treatment, and vaccinations. In addition, doctors, registered nurses, and physician assistants are present at walk-in urgent care facilities to perform COVID-19 testing and other tests, minor surgeries, non-threatening conditions, and examinations.
Multiple Testing Types
Urgent care centers offer multiple COVID testing options. Some of these optional tests include COVID-19 antigen testing, traditional nasal swabbing test, antibody testing, and rapid antibody testing. Your medical clinic professional will help guide you in choosing the proper testing you need based on your health history and potential exposure to others.
Quick Results
When you get COVID testing done at an urgent care center, you’ll find that results come back quickly. It can take as little as 30 minutes to get your test results because they don’t need to go to a lab for further examination. This speed is especially helpful if you have high-risk health conditions or must protect others you live with or work with.
If you experience COVID symptoms and feel unsure if you’ve contracted the illness, we at AFC Urgent Care have you covered. We offer rapid PCR tests in Brier Creek for those in need, including those returning from college, who have future travel plans, and who need tests for upcoming events. In just 30 minutes, our patients have their COVID test results—without needing an appointment beforehand. If you need your rapid PRC testing done, visit us at AFC Urgent Care today.