Texas MedClinic’s COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test available curbside

December 14, 2020

Texas MedClinic’s COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test available curbside - Texas MedClinic Urgent Care

Results ready in 15 minutes

When it comes to our health and the health of those we care about, time can be paramount.

“People want to know quickly if they have the virus and if they could be infecting others,” said Texas MedClinic Chief Operating Officer and practicing physician Dr. David Gude.

Since introducing the region’s first rapid antigen test in May, Texas MedClinic has conducted over 200,000 rapid antigen tests across their 19 clinics in San Antonio, New Braunfels, Spring Branch, Austin and Round Rock.

“We are able to give patients answers and, hopefully, peace-of-mind before they walk out of our clinic,” said Gude.

With positive COVID-19 cases on the rise in our communities, coupled with CDC warnings of an additional surge from gatherings over the holidays, having access to fast, reliable testing is very beneficial.

“We introduced curbside testing during the surge in June/July to accommodate the testing needs of our communities,” said Gude. “With the current increase in positivity rate, the curbside service is again proving to be an asset for many patients.”

For a limited time, curbside rapid antigen testing is available at all 19 Texas MedClinic’s but only for those who do not have symptoms. A medical consultation is not required*. Cost for the rapid COVID-19 tests are covered by insurance plans or through government sponsored programs.

Avoid the wait, Check-In Online Urgent Care

For those with symptoms, a medical evaluation is required.

“If you are sick, a medical evaluation allows our providers to give the most accurate diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan. There are other illnesses within our communities that need to be addressed, and some patients with COVID-19 are ill enough that they need to be hospitalized immediately,” said Gude.

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

What is the COVID-19 rapid antigen test?

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, and in symptomatic patients demonstrates close to 100 percent accuracy on positive COVID-19 test results, and 80 percent accuracy on negative COVID-19 tests,” said Gude.

The COVID-19 rapid antigen test requires a nasal swab. The specimen is tested in-house and is machine-read with the fluorescent immunoassay analyzer. Patients receive test results within 15 minutes.

Texas MedClinic continues to work closely with local health authorities in Bexar, Comal, Travis and Williamson counties where 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 from May through July to provide free drive-thru testing for uninsured patients at their clinic located on SW Military Drive.

“Our goal is to keep our South, Central Texas community well, and support our local health authorities in preventing 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 to continue frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds, disinfect high-touch areas, social distance of 6 feet from another person, and wear masks to curb the spread of the virus.

*A medical evaluation will be provided for curbside patients indicating an exposure or who test positive for COVID-19.

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