COVID-19 testing moving to Chester Boulevard location
March 22, 2021 -- Reid Health is shifting its drive-up COVID-19 testing operations from the Reid Orthopedic Center to the newly established Reid Health Lab - 1200 Chester Blvd. facility.
The move will take effect on Monday, March 29. Hours for testing at the new location will remain the same as they are now, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Switching sites will make room for an upcoming remodeling project at the Reid Orthopedic Center.
"Although we're moving to a new location, we're pleased to still be able to offer our patients the convenience of being able to get tested while staying in their car," said Monica Schlichter, Musculoskeletal Service Line Director for Reid Health, "and our new facility has the added benefit of being more centrally located within Richmond.
"We'll continue to offer the same great service at our new site as we've always done at the Reid Orthopedic Center."
Anyone concerned they might have COVID-19 or who needs proof of a negative result can be tested for the virus without the need of a doctor's order. Both PCR and rapid antigen tests are available by calling Reid Central Scheduling at (765) 983-3358.
The move will take effect on Monday, March 29. Hours for testing at the new location will remain the same as they are now, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Drive-thru testing will be done at the new facility at 1200 Chester Blvd. in Richmond. Patients will be able to pull up, get checked in and have their nose swabbed all without having to get out of their car.
To qualify for a rapid test, a person must be symptomatic. Results typically are available in about 15 minutes. Anyone who gets a negative result is asked to return within a few days to have a PCR test done if symptoms persist.
Those who are not symptomatic but need proof of a negative result will get a PCR test. Turnaround for that test is usually about one day. Results can be found in a patient's MyChart account without having to wait on a phone call.
Rapid antigen and PCR tests detect components of the virus, indicating a current or recent infection. Rapid antigen tests can have more false positives and negatives than the PCR test.
PCR results can remain positive up to 90 days after infection even though people are not acutely ill or contagious after the first two weeks or so. Because of that, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend retesting with a PCR exam within that 90-day window.
COVID-19 testing will be billed to insurers, but patients should check with their carriers to see if their coverage includes the tests.