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4.41(270 reviews)
10 South St, Ridgefield, CT 0687710 South St
OpenThu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
physicianone-urgent-care-ridgefield
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Recent patient review

Staff was very friendly, quality of care was great, and bedside manners were excellent, however after the nurse took my vitals, I waited about an hour for the PA to see me. The PA was very apologetic and explained that I unfortunately got stuck behind two patients that came in for non-urgent matters (and therefore shouldn’t have really been at the clinic to begin with) so that look longer than they expected. Other than that, I was able to get antibiotics for my sinus infection very quickly and easily. Had it not been for the delay I think I would’ve been in and out in 20 minutes.
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COVID testing & Rapid testing near me in Bethel, CT

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4.41(270 reviews)
10 South St, Ridgefield, CT 0687710 South St
OpenThu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
physicianone-urgent-care-ridgefield
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Recent patient review

Staff was very friendly, quality of care was great, and bedside manners were excellent, however after the nurse took my vitals, I waited about an hour for the PA to see me. The PA was very apologetic and explained that I unfortunately got stuck behind two patients that came in for non-urgent matters (and therefore shouldn’t have really been at the clinic to begin with) so that look longer than they expected. Other than that, I was able to get antibiotics for my sinus infection very quickly and easily. Had it not been for the delay I think I would’ve been in and out in 20 minutes.
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
PCR Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown

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4.65(210 reviews)
266 S Main St, Newtown, CT 06470266 S Main St
OpenThu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
physicianone-urgent-care-newtown
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Recent patient review

Excellent experience. No wait, staff helpful and friendly, Dr Roberts was patient and explained things clearly. Overall great experience, would highly recommend.
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Rapid
Time to results unknown

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4.62(231 reviews)
900 Main St S, Southbury, CT 06488900 Main St S
OpenThu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
physicianone-urgent-care-southbury
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Recent patient review

The PA was quite knowledgeable. The front desk admin was prompt.
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
PCR Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown

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4.66(360 reviews)
346 Main Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851346 Main Ave
OpenThu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
physicianone-urgent-care-norwalk
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Recent patient review

Very thorough and explained everything. Easy to make appt online
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
PCR Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown

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4.8(1.7k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

76 Pershing Dr, Derby, CT 0641876 Pershing Dr
OpenThu 12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Mon12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Tue12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Wed12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Thu12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Fri12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Sat12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Sun12:00 am - 11:59 pm
physicianone-urgent-care-virtual-visits-connecticut
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Recent patient review

She was very passionate, knowledgeable and attentive. I’m Thankful for the experience
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
PCR Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown

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4.76(4.7k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

78 Pershing Dr, Derby, CT 0641878 Pershing Dr
OpenThu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
physicianone-urgent-care-derby
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Recent patient review

I’ve used this urgent care more than once. Every time I go there the staff is very helpful. I definitely recommend going to this urgent care if needed.
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
PCR Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown

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1020 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 066051020 Fairfield Ave
OpenThu 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Mon 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tue 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wed 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thu 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Fri 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
new-england-drug-alcohol-testing
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PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days

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4.69(227 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

80 US-6, Baldwin Place, NY 1050580 US-6
OpenThu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
physicianone-urgent-care-somers
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Recent patient review

My first time using Physicians 1 and I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and professional medical treatment I received. I would highly recommend Physicians 1 to anyone requiring medical treatment!
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
PCR Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown

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4.57(242 reviews)
1040 Barnum Ave, Stratford, CT 066141040 Barnum Ave
OpenThu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
physicianone-urgent-care-stratford
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Recent patient review

I did not like having fill out my own information. There were 3 girls at the desk doing nothing. Once I filled the info at the desk and then had to fill out more of the same stuff on my phone. Nonsense. I have no clue what the cost was, that's not right. Wait time was fine. Dr. James is awesome.
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
PCR Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown

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3.5(2 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their clean offices

Sparkling Clean

1646 Boston Post Rd, Milford, CT 064601646 Boston Post Rd
OpenThu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
hartford-healthcare-gohealth-urgent-care-milford
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PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

Available times

1527 E Main St, Waterbury, CT 067051527 E Main St
OpenThu 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
park-pharmacy
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PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days

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4.85(4.3k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their clean offices

Sparkling Clean

3085 E Main St, Mohegan Lake, NY 105673085 E Main St
OpenThu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
physicianone-urgent-care-mohegan-lake
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Recent patient review

The staff was really helpful and Dr. Shahid was very attentive and informative when answering my questions.
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
PCR Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown

Available times

1 Cellini Pl, West Haven, CT 065161 Cellini Pl
OpenThu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
gohealth-urgent-care
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PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

Available times

4.74(387 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

3083 E Main St, Cortlandt, NY 105673083 E Main St
OpenThu 12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Mon12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Tue12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Wed12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Thu12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Fri12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Sat12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Sun12:00 am - 11:59 pm
physicianone-urgent-care-virtual-visits-new-york
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Recent patient review

I love this service! Everyone is always very friendly and helpful! Thank you!!
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
PCR Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown

Available times

4.33(204 reviews)
920 Wolcott St, Waterbury, CT 06705920 Wolcott St
OpenThu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
physicianone-urgent-care-waterbury
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Recent patient review

They are always professional, and are kind and respectful. Very comfortable with recommending others to go there. Place is neat and clean
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
PCR Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown

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4.61(6.2k reviews)
2165 Dixwell Ave, Hamden, CT 065142165 Dixwell Ave
OpenThu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
physicianone-urgent-care-hamden
Book online

Recent patient review

The staff was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I would return in a minute if I needed urgent care again.
PCR Test
Rapid
Results in 1-3 days
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in same day

Available times

2380 Dixwell Ave, Hamden, CT 065142380 Dixwell Ave
OpenThu 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Mon 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Tue 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wed 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thu 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Fri 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • SunClosed
apex-pharmacy
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Available times

5.0(1 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

2335 Dixwell Ave, Hamden, CT 065172335 Dixwell Ave
OpenThu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
hartford-health-gohealth-urgent-care-hamden
Book online

Recent patient review

Staff was incredibly friendly, and kind
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

Available times

4.33(3 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their clean offices

Sparkling Clean

130 S Main St, Thomaston, CT 06787130 S Main St
OpenThu 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Mon10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
thomaston-pharmacy
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Recent patient review

My first time here…Staff was excellent, knowledgeable and Friendly
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days

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4.8(268 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

35 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY 1060135 Mamaroneck Ave
View hours of operation
  • MonClosed
  • TueClosed
  • WedClosed
  • ThuClosed
  • FriClosed
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
sameday-health-white-plains
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PCR Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

Available times

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VIDEO: Dr. Isaac Thomsen, pediatric infectious disease specialist, discusses COVID-19 and Delta variant and what in means for kids.Watch now!

Latest COVID-19 Testing Updates

Oct 31, 2022
A surge in respiratory syncytial virus is putting severe strain on children's hospitals nationwide. Hospitals first began seeing the unseasonable RSV rise in August. Now, many are reporting a case increase of over 300 percent compared to last month. (Becker's)
Oct 28, 2022
With the BQ.1.1 variant on the rise in Europe, experts express concern of a rise in COVID cases this winter; encourage everyone to max out their boosters and vaccinate their children (Houston Chronicle)

COVID-19 Testing FAQs

  • How much does COVID testing cost in Bethel?

    In many cases, COVID testing can be free. Many state and local health departments continue to offer free testing to community residents as part of their response to the pandemic. In other cases, commercially insured patients, or those on Medicare or Medicaid, may receive testing at no out of pocket cost, or with a nominal office visit copay. For cash paying patients, or those that need rapid COVID testing which will deliver results in under an hour, COVID tests can range from $50 to $150 each. It is best to call your healthcare provider prior to getting tested to better understand the cost of the specific test you require.

  • Where can I get free COVID testing in Bethel?

    COVID testing is available for free under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which includes testing for those without health insurance. Check with your Bethel-area health department as they are generally a good source for free COVID tests, or can at least point you in the right direction. Additionally, you can ask your primary care provider to recommend a free COVID test site.

  • Where can I get COVID testing in Bethel?

    COVID testing is available at many outlets near Bethel including urgent care centers, retail clinics, primary care offices, health departments, and more. Different venues will have different types of tests available, many at different price points. Some testing sites are allowing walk-in patients, however, many are still requiring some degree of advance booking to control patient volume.

  • Where can I get a rapid COVID test in Bethel?

    Rapid testing—both PCR (molecular) and antigen tests—is offered through many Bethel-area urgent care centers and physician offices, usually at an additional cost ranging from $50 up to $150 per test. Usually this will allow you to get results back in under an hour, and require advanced booking through the provider. However, if you can wait 24 hours for your results, many labs are turning around send-out lab tests in that time frame, which could save you some money.

  • How to make an appointment for COVID testing in Bethel?

    Same-day and next day appointments for COVID testing in Bethel are bookable directly through Solv. Simply browse the list of healthcare providers conducting COVID tests above, find one with a “Book Online” button, and book a time that aligns with your schedule stating “COVID-19 Test” as your reason for visit.

  • Can I get tested for antibodies if I am sick with COVID-19 Bethel?

    An antibody test for COVID-19 might inform you if you previously had a coronavirus infection. Because it can take between 1–3 weeks after an infection for your body to develop these antibodies, an antibody test during an active infection would not be successful. To see if you are currently infected, you need a viral test.

  • Do I need a COVID test if I have been vaccinated?

    Even if you have been fully vaccinated, if you have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, experts believe that you should be tested yourself, particularly if you are experiencing cold and flu symptoms commonly aligned with the coronavirus.

  • How long does COVID testing take?

    Getting a COVID test is quick. Most tests are done with a nasal swab, which takes less than a minute to swab both nostrils. Depending on where you get your COVID test, this means you could be in and out of the testing site in as little as 10-15 minutes. During busy times—particularly around holidays—testing sites may be busier than usual and wait times may be longer.

  • How long does it take to get COVID test results in Bethel?

    Most labs are returning send-out molecular (PCR) COVID test results within 24-48 hours of the test. Some sites take longer, so call and ask if the reason for the test is proof for travel. Rapid COVID tests are processed on-site and are able to deliver results in under an hour, sometimes in as little as 15 min.

  • Do COVID tests detect the Delta variant and Omicron variant?

    Regular COVID tests are able to detect both the Delta variant and Omicron variant in that they can determine whether or not you have the coronavirus. However, they can't tell which variation is involved. That would necessitate genomic sequencing, which is a different process from regular virus testing that not all labs can undertake. Sequencing is uncommon and can cost up to $100 per test. Since the treatment is the same for any variant, it is not clinically useful to an individual patient to know whether the infection was caused by a variant or not.

Recent COVID-19 Testing Reviews (20)

We had been there in July for covid tests and the process has improved 500%! We were in and out in 30 mins. Easy check in through the app.

- Verified patient on 11/16

Very nice and compassionate, despite being inundated with covid testing

- Verified patient on 8/26

Docs Bethel made my Covid testing super easy. The staff is very friendly and got me in and out very quickly. I would highly recommend going to the Bethel location.

- Verified patient on 11/20

Just a longer wait because of all the people waiting for covid tests

- Verified patient on 10/15

It was quick, clean, and friendly. It was the best covid tests I have taken as well as comfortable.

- Verified patient on 9/11

We came in for a covid test. Very short wait and results in minutes!

- Verified patient on 9/6

Very organized quick covid testing/results compared to other places that had 7 hour waits.

- Verified patient on 10/29

I went in for Covid testing. One issue was the disconnect between information on your website and the Bethel location. The website said appointments are required but upon arrival, they are not honored. It is walk-in only. It was crowded with many people confused by how the process works. I think it would be smoother and less stressful if appointments are required and what to expect when arriving at the site are clearly explained on the website.

- Verified patient on 10/28

I came in for a COVID test and only waited 5 minutes. Everyone was pleasant and helpful.

- Verified patient on 9/18

My wife and I were here for a COVID test. Quick and efficient service.

- Verified patient on 9/11

Very Good wait time was long, but it was for a covid test and it was no reflection on the staff. They were handling a difficult time with lots of people well.

- Verified patient on 11/3

Went for COVID test it was easy and the staff was very nice

- Verified patient on 9/14

I was in for COVID testing they were great Very friendly and compassionate At 12:30 I was 32 in line I cannot imagine how many people had been tested in the morning

- Verified patient on 10/2

Needed a Covid test. Registered and when it was my turn they called and took me right in. Very convenient and fast.

- Verified patient on 9/14

Waited a while but that’s expected with everyone going for covid testing and it being swamped. The staff and nurses are doing a great job and hope it slows down for them soon!

- Verified patient on 9/28

Went for a Covid test, I expected wait time to be somewhat extensive and it was which I was fine with. Staff was friendly and nice although I waited there for over an hour and they allowed someone to just walk in in front of me that wasn’t waiting in line, and sign in but what’s re you gonna do.

- Verified patient on 10/29

The team there was amazing! With the pressure of covid testing they handled all patients the same and treated everyone respectfully. I was very impressed!

- Verified patient on 9/27

Clean, efficient and safe place to get a Covid test with the results in under an hour including the wait time.

- Verified patient on 9/28

Wait time was because of # of people requesting Covid tests

- Verified patient on 7/16

It was very organized and wait time was not too bad for the rapid COVID test

- Verified patient on 10/15

Bethel COVID Testing & Rapid Testing

Types of COVID Tests

There are two types of coronavirus tests (COVID-19 tests) available, those that can test for a current infection (viral test) and those that can test for a past infection (antibody test).

Viral COVID testing can be done in a few different ways, the most common being nose swabs, but saliva tests are becoming more popular. Some tests are processed out on-site and can provide results in as little as 30 minutes. These are called rapid COVID tests. The majority of tests, on the other hand, are collected at the clinic on-site and then submitted to off-site labs for processing. Results can take up to 2-3 days to arrive. 

Antibody testing looks for a past infection and may not reveal if you have an active COVID-19 infection because antibodies can take up to three weeks to form in your body. The presence of COVID antibodies may help to prevent you from becoming infected with the same virus again; but, because the clinical understanding of COVID-19 is still developing, it's unclear how long that protection will continue.

Who should get tested for current infection

The CDC currently defines four instances where COVID testing is recommended:

  1. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
  2. If you have been in close contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19. Close contact is defined as within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. If you have been vaccinated, or tested positive in the past 3 months and not experiencing symptoms, you do not need to be tested.
  3. If you are unvaccinated and participated in high-risk activities where distancing is not an option. This could include travel, large social or mass gatherings, crowded indoor settings, etc.
  4. If you have been referred to get a COVID test by your healthcare provider or local health department. 

How is testing done for COVID-19?

Most COVID tests are collected by a nasal swab. A member of the medical team puts a swab inside your nose for a few seconds on each side to collect the sample. After that, the samples are packaged according to CDC guidelines and tested on-site or transported to a facility for testing. The lab will test samples for the presence of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID infection and either your care provider or the lab will notify you with the results as soon as they are available.

PCR vs Antigen Testing

Viral COVID tests are available as molecular and antigen tests. The molecular test, also known as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, usually delivers results within a few days since most of these tests are sent to offsite labs for analysis. The average turnaround time for PCR test results is 48 hours, but in some instances may be significantly longer due to backlogs related to insufficient lab volume and capacity. Antigen tests are also known as rapid tests and have an average turnaround time of between 15 to 30 minutes.

Both PCR and rapid COVID tests can be used to test people exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, those who were close contacts to COVID-19, and those without COVID-19 symptoms who live or work in a high-risk setting (such as a nursing facility); or those individuals who are identified as part of outbreak detection and response. The rapid COVID test is also recommended for the screening of residents or healthcare workers at skilled nursing facilities along with a PCR confirmation, and for repeat screening for the early detection and prevention of outbreaks in congregate settings (such as schools, workplaces, and prisons).

COVID testing is available for free under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which includes testing for those without health insurance. To reduce the risk of facing extra costs related to COVID testing, ask your primary care doctor to recommend a free COVID test site, and confirm there are no charges or fees for the test that are not covered by your insurance plan. Additionally, avoid getting a COVID test at a hospital or free-standing emergency room, as these facilities may charge fees for COVID testing and related services.

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