Testing for COVID in Riverside County
Riverside County is located to the east of Los Angeles in Southern California. Riverside County houses what is known as the Inland Empire, which includes cities such as Riverside, Norco, Eastvale, Corona, etc. According to the Census Bureau, Riverside County has a projected population of 2.47 million in 2019. Since Riverside County has such a high population density, it has faced a difficult battle against the COVID-19 virus. At the beginning of the pandemic, mass testing was difficult to execute due to volume and staff limitations. Now the United States has begun to better implement mass testing, as well as faster testing options. We have now begun to see the implementation of rapid COVID-19 testing in Riverside County, as well as in many counties across Southern California. It is important for the residents of Riverside County to know where they can access rapid COVID-19 testing in order to slow the spread, and help keep their communities safe as businesses begin to reopen.
Rapid COVID Testing: General Facts
The FDA has a comprehensive document of information that is constantly being updated as new COVID-19 tests are approved. As of now, they outline a few different testing options that are either diagnostic tests or antibody tests. Antibody tests are used to detect the immune system response to the virus, meaning a non-active case of COVID-19. Diagnostic tests, however, are used to detect an active COVID-19 infection. Diagnostic testing is important to identify those patients who are currently infected with the COVID-19 virus, and to take the precautions necessary to avoid a further spread. The FDA outlines molecular tests and antigen tests as approved diagnostic testing options to confirm an active infection. Antigen tests are the most recently approved rapid testing option. Through a nasal or throat swab, an antigen test can provide the results of an active COVID-19 infection within an hour. While positive results with this antigen test are highly accurate, negative results may need to be cross referenced with a molecular test, which usually provides results between 1-7 days depending on the testing location. While antigen testing is important in providing rapid COVID-19 results, the antigen test cannot definitively rule out a COVID-19 infection if a patient tests negative. A healthcare provider might order a molecular test if a patient tests negative on a rapid antigen test, but is still showing symptoms of COVID-19. Rapid antigen COVID tests are available in the Riverside County area.
Where can I find Rapid COVID Testing in Riverside County?
Lifeline Health has partnered with COVID Clinic to provide the residents of Riverside County with rapid COVID testing at our official site in Norco, California. Our rapid COVID testing site offers diagnostic tests, such as the rapid antigen test, to detect an active infection of COVID-19. We are located at the Silverlakes Sports Complex at 5555 Hamner Ave, Norco CA 92860. We have constructed large, outdoor tents to allow for ample air circulation and space for social distancing while you are waiting for your appointment. We are open Sunday-Monday from 7:30am-9:45pm, making it easy to find an appointment time that works with your schedule. You can book an appointment through our website, although we now accept walk-ins as well. If you live in the Riverside County area and need to be tested for COVID-19, visit our Norco Testing Site for rapid antigen testing. Get your results within an hour, and stay safe!
Sources:
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/riversidecountycalifornia
https://wearelifelinehealth.com
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/coronavirus-testing-basics