By: LJ Garfield
COVID testing is one of the main tracking tools in place to monitor the spread and infection rate of the disease. Testing is done for free but will cost you time to schedule the appointment and get assigned a personal testing ID number and wait in line to be tested. This article takes you through the testing process for Harris County and Fort Bend County testing sites and dismantles many of the false ideas associated with the process. The testing details provided observed and reported on Saturday, June 13, 2020.
- Go to your local county COVID Self-Assessment Tool website to schedule a test. The questionnaire is brief and asks for information about exposure to the virus and any symptoms you have. Do not be alarmed if you are not an immediate testing concern. Depending on the current COVID environment in your county, healthcare workers, first responders, citizens caring for the elderly or sick, and those with active symptoms are a greater testing priority. If you are determined ineligible, try the Self-Assessment Tool again- at a later date or go to your primary caregiver to get a “referral” for testing. If you do not have a healthcare provider, dial 4-1-1 and ask for free COVID health care options in your zip code. When testing is scheduled, the appointment may be available for scheduling 3-14 days from the date you visit the site. A drive though testing date and time frame will be issued once testing is confirmed. Sites include drug stores, schools and sports area parking lots.
- Print the unique ID code or save an electronic version to your device. Testing site personnel may ask for other identifiers such as car model and type. Multiple testers are allowed in one vehicle as long as each person completed the Self-Assessment Tool and was issued a unique ID number.
- Plan 60-90 minutes for the entire process on a weekend although there are reports that weekday testing has a much shorter wait time. Be punctual to help expedite the process. Keep windows rolled up until the medical staff asks for access to your vehicle.
- When you arrive be prepared to show your ID, the unique code, and some testing site personnel may ask for insurance information even though there is no charge to your insurance.
- Staff will confirm your information several times so do not be annoyed. This is to ensure accurate specimen testing. Pictures and recordings are not allowed to keep the process confidential.
- Some sites may take your nasal samples while others will require you to collect the sample yourself.
- The cotton swab is inserted into each nostril, rotate the swab for 15-20 seconds to get a good collection. Next the handle of the swab is separated, and the cotton tip is placed in a plastic specimen container and given to the medical staff.
- Results can take up to a week. Notifications are made by phone calls, so be sure to answer unfamiliar phone numbers while you are waiting for test results.
- Follow after testing instructions.
- Stay Safe & Healthy.
Differences in process by locations:
| Harris County Public Health testing site @ Pridgeon Stadium | Fort Bend Accesshealth COVID-19 public testing @ Marshall High School |
| · Immediate Auto generated appointment within 3 days of online assessment completed | · Staff calls to make appointment with 21-72 hours after online assessment completed and appointment with 3-5days after call |
| · Busy but organized testing site 90 minutes from start to finish | · Slow & friendly testing site 10 minutes start to finish |
| · Display state issued ID and unique code without rolling window down t station one | · Staff in PPE at station one takes state issued ID and scans unique code through lowered window |
| · Lab slip and specimen placed in plastic lab bag and secured under windshield wiper, then drive to station two | · ID info written on car window for medical tester at next station, tester signs consent forms |
| · Contactless process- self swab with guidance from medical professional outside car with window rolled up | · Medical staff takes the sample through the widow after explaining procedure. |
| · Remove after care instructions from plastic bag | · Tester observes medical staff seal nasal sample in lab bag |
| · Once complete put testing items back in the plastic bag and place all items in small bin on a table outside of vehicle. | · Envelope with after testing instruction given to tester. |
COVID testing is an excellent way to determine if you have been exposed to the virus and if you are contagious even if there are no symptoms. Get tested if you haven’t already. Knowledge can be power when used to protect yourself and your loved ones. For more information visit: www.readyharris.org or www.fortbendcountytx.gov .
