Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Procedure
On the date of your appointment, you will drive to the testing site, keeping your windows closed throughout the journey. Once you reach the location, follow the instructions to enter the appropriate lane. You will be seated in your car as a health care worker approaches you to record your personal information.
Once your personal information is recorded, you will be directed to another location to get tested. While still seated in your car, a medical professional wearing protective gear will ask you to tilt your head back so they can collect a mucus sample to send for analysis. The medical worker will insert a long and thin cotton bud deep inside your nose or the back of your throat to collect fluid from your respiratory system.
The testing site will send the sample to a laboratory for analysis. You should expect to get results within 48 to 72 hours of your testing. Many testing sites offer next-day results for an extra fee.
What to do After a COVID-19 Test
After you get tested and receive your results, you should consult with a physician to interpret your test results. Many clinics offer telemedicine services, allowing you to consult with a physician virtually from the comfort of your home using technology similar to Skype or FaceTime.
During a remote consultation, your physician can advise you on what steps to take to improve your health and prescribe medication to manage your symptoms. Virtual visits with a physician also help contain the spread of COVID-19, as it helps avoid trips to hospitals and clinics crowded with potentially sick people.