Worcester Rapid COVID-19 Testing at AFC Urgent Care

Rapid COVID-19 Testing in Worcester, MA

COVID-19 Testing

Call now for COVID-19 Rapid Testing - available minutes from Worcester, MA

Call (508) 755-4010

COVID-19 Testing Options

AFC Urgent Care Worcester offers both rapid and antibody testing to all patients

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AFC Urgent Care Worcester is now offering the Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 test, a rapid molecular test that allows your physician to test a sample and provide you with results in 15 minutes. The test is available under emergency use authorization from the FDA. Rapid COVID-19 testing is available seven days a week to patients at AFC Urgent Care Marlborough, no appointment is needed.

Q. What is a Rapid COVID-19 Test?

A. A Rapid COVID test is a nasal swab used to detect positive, active strains of the coronavirus. Results will be positive if an active strain is found. Negative results can also mean the test was taken too early.

Q. How does Rapid COVID Testing Work?

A. The test works by taking a gentle swab of the patient’s nasal cavity. It then collects a tissue sample, which is sent to our lab for diagnosis.

Q. What should I do if I have a positive result?

A. Positive results mean patient’s should begin their quarantine period immediately. Avoid contact with others, and let anyone you have been in contact with know you tested positive. Monitor your symptoms closely, and be sure to speak with a medical provider about treatment.

Q. What should I do if I have a negative test?

A. Negative results mean an active strain of the virus was not found. This can mean the test was taken too soon, so continue to monitor symptoms. Be sure to social distance, wear a mask when outside, and wash your hands frequently.

Q. Is rapid COVID-19 testing covered by insurance?

A. Coverage of rapid COVID tests depends on your policy. Consult with your provider, and compare with our list of accepted insurances to determine eligibility. We offer lost costs for all self-pay patients, as well.

Q. Are there other types of COVID-19 testing available?

A. In addition to rapid tests, AFC Urgent Care Worcester provides antibody testing to all patients. Antibody tests do not detect active strains of the virus, but rather antibodies that were used to fight off the virus previously.

Q. Where can I get rapid COVID-19 testing near Worcester?

A. Rapid tests are available for all patients at AFC Urgent Care Worcester. Call us today to get more information on testing.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Symptoms of COVID-19 vary case to case from mild to severe. Many patients have not exhibited symptoms at all, but are equally contagious to symptomatic patients. Symptoms typically develop within fourteen days of initial exposure to the virus and may include:

• Dry cough
• High fever (over 102 F)
• Shortness of breath
• Congestion
• Loss of smell and/or taste
• Full body aches

How COVID-19 Rapid Testing Works

Rapid testing begins similarly to standard PCR testing, by taking a gentle swab and collecting a tissue sample. Unlike the standard PCR test, the rapid test requires the swab to go higher into the upper nasal cavity. Patients may experience slight discomfort but not pain.

Once the sample is collected, it is brought to our on-site lab for processing. The sample is submerged and mixed with a solution that is designed to break apart the virus. The solution will only break apart the COVID-19 virus and ignore any other viruses present in the sample.

By breaking apart the virus, the genome specific to the genetic material of the virus is exposed and then replicated in specifically targeted molecules in your sample, which can then detect the presence of the active virus. After the sample has been processed and analyzed, the result will be displayed on the device as well as printed. Results will be able to be returned to patients the day they are tested by phone call or email.

Why should I get the Rapid Test for COVID-19?

The rapid test for COVID-19 is able to provide you with same-day results, which can provide patients with the guidance needed for their next steps.

If you test with a positive result, make sure to self-isolate immediately and make sure people you have come into contact with know to get tested and isolate.

Patients who receive negative results should continue following local health and safety guidelines. This includes wearing a mask or protective face covering over your nose and mouth when leaving your home and practicing social distancing from anyone who does not live with you.

Because the virus can take between five to seven days to develop symptoms, you should wait to get tested to avoid a false negative result.

COVID-19 Rapid Testing in Worcester, MA

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have recently been exposed to someone who has tested positive, visit AFC Urgent Care Worcester for rapid COVID-19 swab testing. Our staff will be able to get you results the day you come in for testing, seven days a week. For more information about testing or to schedule a visit, please call (508) 755-4010.