A Long Beach family faced a challenge last month when their 88-year-old father became sick. They tried to find a rapid COVID test kit but none were available in pharmacies and testing clinics were full. Then a county program came along that let residents pick up a PCR test kit, take it to a lab and receive results within 24 to 48 hours. It’s free but samples have to be returned to the lab within 3-5 days.

Cost

Upfront costs for rapid testing are often unaffordable, and hefty upfront charges can deter people from getting tested. They also can make it difficult for people without insurance to seek reimbursement. Getting quick results for Rapid covid testing long beach is crucial to protecting patients from long quarantines and avoiding lengthy hospital stays. But some clinics charge as much as $300 for a rapid PCR test, making it hard to afford for many Californians.

In Long Beach, the city opened an expanded drive-thru and walk-up testing site Monday at the former Boeing parking lot near 3590 E. Wardlow Road, extending the hours from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 to 5 p.m. weekdays, according to the Long Beach Health Department. Other free testing sites are open throughout the city at Veterans Stadium, Doris Topsy-Elvory Community Center and Cal State Long Beach. You can find a list of locations on the city’s website. You can also book a same or next day appointment online.

Accuracy

Using the right chemicals and equipment, you can get your test results in less time than it took for your doctor to administer a prescription. Best of all, the results are virtually anonymous. This is especially true if you have the misfortune of traveling with an infectious disease prone partner, or your dog (yes, dogs can pass a COVID test as well). For neophytes, our staff of certified scribes can provide recommendations and guidance. Our top notch service has your back at all hours of the day and night. You can be a winner by calling our number one customer service team at 877-77-COVID or book a test online.

Time

While the number of COVID-19 cases in Long Beach continues to decline, the virus is still a concern for many Californians. Rapid PCR and antigen tests can help detect the virus quickly and stop transmission before symptoms develop, and they are essential for people who are traveling or living in high-risk settings. Tests can take up to 48 hours, but some may be longer due to backlogs in local labs. They also come with upfront costs that can be difficult for some people to afford, especially those on Medicare or other government-funded insurance programs.

The City of Long Beach is offering free testing for residents at a mobile site in the former Boeing parking lot, as well as at Veterans Stadium and Doris Topsy-Elvord Community Center. The site offers PCR and rapid antigen tests and is open from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday. For more information, go to the Long Beach Health Department website.

Availability

The city of Rapid covid testing long beach is proud to say it has more than a few COVID testing locations. There’s the ol’ fashioned one at the hospital and a newer gizmo that’s proving to be a big hit with locals on the go. The best part is, the test may be free of charge or only require a small copay. As with any new medical endeavor, be sure to research your options prior to booking a test.

While there’s no debating that the best way to get a COVID test is by visiting your primary care physician, it’s not always an option.

Conclusion

As a result, the City of Long Beach has teamed up with the folks at Xpress Urgent Care to offer a no-charge test or two to those who need it most.