Texas MedClinic offers first rapid COVID-19 test in region, provides results in 15 minutes

May 20, 2020

Texas MedClinic offers first rapid COVID-19 test in region,  provides results in 15 minutes - Texas MedClinic Urgent Care

Tests available for those with or without COVID-19 symptoms

As businesses (and society) begin to reopen under Governor Abbott’s orders, the COVID-19 rapid test’s quick results can help individuals take swift action in protecting themselves and their loved ones and help businesses take swift action in protecting their employees, should there be contagion within the work environment. Not only is the test faster, it’s more accurate than current COVID-19 tests, too.

South and Central Texas urgent care provider Texas MedClinic, which has been on the frontlines of COVID-19 testing since early March, will now offer the areas first rapid COVID-19 test that provides results within 15 minutes. Following the San Antonio Metropolitan Health guidelines and testing priorities, COVID-19 tests are now available to those without symptoms.

(Patients are highly-encouraged to Check-In Online –https://www.texasmedclinic.com–to follow social distancing guidelines and avoid time in a waiting room.)

“Our laboratories are working hard, but there is a large backlog of COVID-19 lab tests. The results were not coming fast enough,” said Dr. David Gude, Texas MedClinic chief operating officer and practicing physician. “Now we can give patients answers and, hopefully, peace-of-mind before they walk out of our clinic.”

The COVID-19 rapid test is manufactured by Quidel, the first manufacturer to receive Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 8 for a rapid antigen test. Named Sofia® 2 SARS Antigen FIA, the rapid point-of-care test uses a fluorescent immunoassay analyzer for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 in a nasal or nasopharyngeal specimen.

“We have used Quidel’s rapid flu and strep tests for years. We trust their diagnostic technology, which is promising close to 100 percent accuracy on positive COVID-19 test results, and 80 percent accuracy on negative COVID-19 tests,” said Gude. “The accuracy is significantly higher than previous tests. Plus, this test uses a traditional nasal swab, which is much more comfortable for the patient.”

COVID-19 Vaccine Available to Children

Texas MedClinic has performed over 5,300 COVID-19 tests over the last 9 weeks, accounting for roughly 10 percent of Bexar County’s testing. They continue to work closely with local health authorities in the counties they have clinics, sharing data and results, as well as assisting with testing needs. Texas MedClinic partnered with San Antonio Metropolitan Health District and Southwest Regional Advisory Council to provide free drive-thru testing for uninsured patients at their clinic located on SW Military Drive. Updated: At the request of local health authorities, free drive-thru testing is no longer available at the clinic on SW Military Drive.

Following San Antonio Metropolitan Health guidelines, testing is available for those experiencing symptoms, as well as for those who do not have symptoms. A medical consultation is required. Cost for consultation and the rapid COVID-19 test are covered by insurance plans or through government sponsored programs.

“Our goal is to keep our South, Central Texas community well, helping health authorities prevent the spread of the virus, by providing efficient, effective, and compassionate medical care,” said Gude.

Consistent with the CDC and San Antonio Metropolitan Health Department, Texas MedClinic is encouraging the community, patients and staff to continue frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds, disinfecting high-touch areas, to continue social distancing of 6 feet from another person, and recommend wearing masks to curb the spread of the virus.

San Antonio residents can call the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District COVID-19 hotline at 210-207-5779 or can log onto https://covid19test.quacito.com/ to complete a self-screening questionnaire to see if they meet the criteria to be tested.


Texas MedClinic was established in 1982 by Dr. Bernard T. Swift, Jr., as a group medical practice that specializes in urgent care and occupational medicine. Texas MedClinic has grown to 13 locations in San Antonio, two in New Braunfels, two in Austin, one in Round Rock, and one in Bulverde/Spring Branch. Texas MedClinic is staffed with 82 medical providers including physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners and over 450 employees.

Not a primary care practice, Texas MedClinic is not intended to replace a patient’s primary care physician. The privately-owned clinics offer patients who have urgent medical problems an alternative to the long waiting times at hospital ER’s, the new free-standing emergency rooms, and traditional family doctor offices when appointment times may be filled.

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