San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
Drive-through COVID-19 tests offered with 20-minute results
RETAIL TRENDS
Covid Clinic is one of the first coronavirus testing clinics to offer 20-minute results on tests for COVID-19. The clinic offers the Quidel Corporation Sofia SARS Antigen FIA. This test has received emergency use authorization from the FDA and test data suggests it has specificity of 100 percent and sensitivity of 96.7 percent.
This test, which costs $150, is best for those who believe they might be infected and symptomatic. The tip of a cotton swab is inserted into each nostril just until the cotton tip of the swab is no longer visible. The swab is then rotated in a circle around the entire inside edge of each nostril at least three times. The clinic offers the rapid tests as well as PCR tests. Appointments are required.
The benefits of a rapid COVID-19 test are that the quick results can help medical providers make informed recommendations about a patient’s care, and the results may help to limit the spread of COVID-19 to family members and others in the community.
Covid Clinic, a nonprofit public benefit corporation, has 13 drive-through testing locations in California and has tested more than 100,000 people to date. The three San Diego area locations are:
• 1350 Third Ave., San Diego
• 5601 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa
• 2015 Birch Road, Chula Vista
“Many patients are concerned about their current health and whether they’ve been exposed or are currently experiencing symptoms. The 20-minute test gives them peace of mind quickly,” said Dr. Matthew Abinante, founder and president of Covid Clinic who is a board-certified family physician and holds a master’s degree in public health. “And, some employers want a fast testing result turnaround when someone might have inadvertently exposed other employees in the workplace. It helps companies make informed decisions about which actions to take to limit the spread of the infection.”
For more information or to make an appointment, go to covidclinic.org.