A new drive-thru testing site is now up and running in Chico.
We looked into what the antibody tests will show.
The protocols of a new testing site now operating in chico -- action news now reporter krisitian lopez joins us live, kristian, how exactly does this facility operate in terms of processing tests -- and payments?
They were here all day making signs, stocking their inventory and reorganzing their store.
Cindy stewart/it takes a while but it's worth it cindy stewart decided to stop by for a rapid coronavirus test at chico junior high school tuesday to put her mind at ease -- and she's not alone.
Bradley smith/ceo of immediate care: we've gone through 500 tests in four days.
Cindy stewart: everybody is curious how many positive cases are there really.
Immediate care workers will prick your finger for a blood sample which shows results in a few minutes.
They charge an office visit which gets billed to your insurance.
The actual antibody tests are 110 dollars which must be paid up front.
Bradley smith: we give them an itemized receipt which then they can take to get reimbursed from their insurance.
Kristian stand up: anyone who comes to get tested must sign one of these consent forms, it says they are testing you for two different antibodies.
One is called i-g- g which will show if you have already had the virus, the other is called i-g-m.
Bradley smith: if you get an igm you are in the middle of your infection until we do a second test to show if you are or not.
That test is a viral test.
That is a deep nose swab test that must be done at immediate care clinic.
Bradley smith: antibody tests don't just test if you've had it remotely they can pick up an acute infection.
Dr. smith says the tests are only 95% effective and they will do a follow up test just to be sure.
Cindy stewart: maybe once they know how many people in butte county did have it, it will help them make decisions.
If you've never been an immediate care patient you will need to pre- register by phone as of right now no rapid test will effectively pick up asymptomatic infected patients in the early part of the disease.
Live in chico kristian lopez action news now coverage you can count on.
The drive thru testing is open monday through friday afrom 1-5 and saturday from 8 to 4.
Anyone under 12 needs a letter from a phsyician or pediatrician.
Tongiht
As more communities move toward reopening testing for COVID-19 becomes even more important
