LORAIN, OHio — Lorain County Health and Dentistry officials will hold a COVID-19 drive-thru rapid testing event this weekend in Lorain.
The event will be held on Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon. It’s free and open to the public. It will take place at 1205 Broadway Ave.
Anyone who wants a rapid test is asked to remain in their vehicle while a nasal swab is administered through the vehicle’s window.
Those who test positive for COVID-19 will get a phone call within the hour, health officials said.
Individuals who test positive for the virus should plan on getting a PCR test done as a follow-up and to self-isolate.
“The rapid COVID-19 test is different from the PCR test in several ways,” said LCH&D Clinical Officer Jessica Springer. "While we collect the nasal specimen in the same basic way for both tests, the rapid test is an antigen test which detects virus proteins. The PCR test detects genetic material specific to the virus. Results are much quicker with the rapid test, but this test isn’t as sensitive as the PCR. The rapid test does not always yield accurate results and for this reason, we always urge someone receiving a positive rapid result to follow up quickly with a more accurate PCR test.”
Individuals who are unable to make it to the event can call Lorain County Health and Dentistry at 440-240-1655 to schedule a PCR test.
Editors Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly listed the date of the drive-thru event. The story has been updated to reflect the correct information.
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