Harrison clinic offers covid-19 antigen testing

HARRISON — Washington Regional Urgent Care in Harrison is offering covid-19 antigen testing, according to a news release from Washington Regional Health System.

Polymerase chain reaction tests, or PCR tests, and antigen tests can detect covid-19.

Results from antigen tests take less than an hour compared to days for polymerase tests. Antigen tests have an increased chance of false-negative results, meaning it’s possible to be infected but test negative, so the result may need to be confirmed with a polymerase test, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The polymerase test detects genetic material from the virus and is considered more accurate at finding early-stage infections.

The clinic also offers polymerase testing, as well as antibody testing, which can determine if someone has had the virus.

“Washington Regional Urgent Care recognizes having practically immediate test results is imperative to controlling the spread of covid-19,” said Tom Dent, chief executive officer and chairman. “Quickly identifying infected individuals through rapid testing is a major step toward protecting the health of our patients, staff and communities.”

Patients will receive their antigen test results during their office visit, according to the news release.

The antigen tests are done via nasal swabs. Only patients experiencing covid-19 symptoms that began less than five days ago are eligible to receive antigen tests, according to the news release.

The clinic, 808 U.S. 65, is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Testing is available by appointment or walk-in.