Are you looking for a place that does private COVID testing near Lexington, SC? It’s not convenient or pleasant to sit for hours in your car in a line waiting to be tested for COVID. Many places are now offering scheduled private appointments for testing.

Understanding More About COVID

COVID doesn’t really “hit home” until someone we know or love has tested positive or worse, has become seriously ill, or have died from it. Maintaining distance and following the recommended guidelines are crucial.

How It Spreads

COVID spreads quickly from person to person. Just by being in close contact with someone who is a carrier of the virus, places you at a higher risk of getting it. This virus can become airborne by sneezing, coughing, talking, or singing, which deposits infected droplets in the air and onto surfaces. We can catch COVID by breathing in air containing those droplets or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching our eyes, nose, or mouth.

By wearing masks, practicing good hand-washing, and maintaining a 6-foot distance, we protect ourselves and others.

Symptoms Of COVID

Many people infected with COVID may never have any symptoms and unknowingly be spreading it to others. Contrastly, others become critically ill and even die. Symptoms begin to surface anywhere from 2-14 days after you have been exposed.

If you are experiencing any symptoms, contact your physician and self-quarantine.

  • Fever
  • Coughing
  • Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath)
  • Feeling tired, no energy
  • Overall aches and pains
  • Headache
  • Loss of smell and/or taste
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose and/or congestion
  • Stomach pain/cramping
  • Diarrhea
  • Lack of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

When Should You Get Tested?

We are all leaning into the learning curve when it comes to COVID because it is a novel virus that has caused a global pandemic. We can all benefit by educating ourselves on what COVID is, how it’s transmitted, preventing spreading it, protecting ourselves, the symptoms, testing, and treatment. Our best defense is awareness, and this awareness only comes from knowing more about this virus.

Get tested if…

  • If you have been within 6 feet of someone who has tested positive for COVID for 15 or more minutes.
  • If you are having symptoms.
  • If you are traveling, returning to work/school after quarantining, or having elective surgery.

The Different Ways To Be Tested For COVID

There are three types of COVID tests.

  • Molecular
  • Antigen
  • Antibody

Molecular Testing

  • Method of Obtaining Sample: Nasopharyngeal (far up in the nose)
  • Test Result Turnaround: 1-4 days
  • Accuracy: Accurate
  • Indication: Active or Inactive Virus
  • 2nd Test Required: No

Antigen Testing (also known as “Rapid”)

  • Method of Obtaining Sample: Nasopharyngeal (far up in the nose)
  • Test Result Turnaround: 15-30 minutes
  • Accuracy: Positives are highly accurate, but there is the potential for false positives. Negative results may require a molecular test to accurately diagnose.
  • Indication: Active or Inactive Virus
  • 2nd Test Required: No second antigen test, but possibly a molecular test for negatives.

Antibody Testing

  • Method of Obtaining Sample: Blood sample (finger stick or blood draw)
  • Test Result Turnaround: 1-3 days
  • Accuracy: Sometimes, a second test is required for an accurate diagnosis.
  • Indication: Past COVID infection
  • 2nd Test Required: Possibly

Testing Done At My Pharmacy And Optical

My Pharmacy And Optical provides COVID testing in a more private manner. You won’t need to wait in long lines because we provide testing by appointment only. A referral is not required to be tested. However, many insurances require a physician’s referral to cover the cost of the test.

Our professionals are specially trained in COVID testing protocols. You will have peace of mind knowing you will receive the best of care during your test from the comfort of your car.

We offer all three types of COVID testing. For out-of-pocket payment, we charge for each of the tests.

  • Molecular – $139
  • Antigen (Rapid) – $79
  • Antibody – $39

Testing is done by appointment only during our regular business hours.

Don’t Wait In Line, Get Tested Privately!

When you don’t feel well, the last thing you want to do is wait in line to be tested for COVID. For those who aren’t showing symptoms but have been exposed or need a test for other reasons, getting tested privately by appointment is fast and convenient!

Schedule your private COVID test TODAY here at My Pharmacy and Optical.