Gateway Airport adds second test site
Travelers looking to secure a free COVID-19 test before they depart now have another option near Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
Paradigm Laboratories said it will operate a second site at the east Mesa airport’s economy parking lot in partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services. The economy parking lot is at 7255 E. Ray Rd.
The airport opened its first COVID-19 testing location in partnership with Paradigm and ADHS in late December. That test site is behind security, so it’s only available to ticketed passengers.
“We are happy to partner with Paradigm Laboratories and AZDHS to provide another convenient testing location for the general public. The airport’s central location and easy access to the freeway will make getting a test quick and easy,” Ryan Smith, spokesperson for Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, said via email.
Steve Kelly, chief operating officer for Paradigm Laboratories, said the lab uses the PCR test, which can identify the novel coronavirus in any person, including those who are asymptomatic. He said rapid antigen tests “will on the average miss 35% of patients who are asymptomatic but are positive for the COVID-19 virus.”
“We recommend a PCR test as it has always been the gold standard,” Kelly said by email.
How to get a free COVID-19 test at the Mesa airport
Make an appointment www.aztestnow.com.
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When you arrive at the economy parking lot, take a ticket and drive in. Your parking will be validated and you’ll be able to leave free of charge.
There is no cost for the test and insurance is not required. Paradigm said the testing is open to Canadian citizens.
A spokesperson for Paradigm told The Arizona Republic the typical turnaround time is 24-48 hours.
Other free COVID-19 test sites in Phoenix
Paradigm Laboratories also announced two other free COVID-19 test sites in the Valley. You can register for a test at these locations on the website www.aztestnow.com.
St. Vincent de Paul, 420 W. Watkins Road, Phoenix.
Alamo Parking Lot, northeast corner, 4955 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler (opens Jan. 5).
You can connect with Arizona Republic Consumer Travel Reporter Melissa Yeager through email at melissa.yeager@azcentral.com. You can also follow her on Twitter and Instagram.