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Monthly Archives

December 2021

Rapid PCR Test Helping Families Stay Safer Over Holidays

By Wellness

Whether traveling internationally, or simply going to Grandma’s house, the rapid PCR testing that LifeCare Alliance’s Wellness Services now offers is helping families stay safer from COVID this holiday season.

PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction, and with accuracy that approaches 100 percent, it is considered the gold standard of COVID testing. In fact, it is required for travelers headed to several international destinations – including Canada.

According to Melinda Rowe, Director of Wellness Services for LifeCare Alliance, there is a lot of confusion around the various COVID tests and their best uses.

“There are rapid antigen tests, which are the ones most frequently conducted in-home,” says Rowe.

“These are the ones that you get for low-cost at the drugstore, or which are sometimes given out free by the health department.”

Antigen tests can be less accurate than PCR tests as they rely on the level of antigens in a person’s body who has been exposed to the COVID virus. It is widely thought that a person can carry and spread the disease 3-5 days before exhibiting symptoms or producing enough antigens to register on a rapid antigen test.

The PCR test can successfully detect even the smallest amount of coronavirus genetic material in a sample, making it a highly sensitive and accurate test.

Many international destinations are requiring proof of a negative PCR test anywhere from 24-72 hours before arrival of flights into their country. This requires a rapid PCR test as opposed to a traditional PCR test that can take several days to return results.

A few of the nations requiring PCR testing include England, France, Germany, Italy, Dominican Republic, and even Canada. These requirements are changing rapidly and travelers should continually monitor any conditions to entry into a country because of COVID.

But international travel isn’t the only reason people are choosing to get a rapid PCR test.

Wallis Harsch, a retiree from The Ohio State University, came to LifeCare Alliance to get a rapid PCR test before visiting her son and his family on the East Coast. She wanted to make sure her grandson would be safer from COVID exposure if she and her husband went to visit him for the holiday.

“Many people with family members who are elderly, extremely young, or have pre-existing conditions, are opting to get the rapid PCR test before visiting in order to protect those most vulnerable,” says Rowe.

LifeCare Alliance Wellness Services offers rapid PCR testing at our headquarters at 1699 W. Mound Street. The test costs $200 and is not covered by insurance. Sixty percent of the fee goes to cover the costs of special equipment, supplies and the trained technicians required for the test. The rest of the fee is dedicated to LifeCare Alliance’s social enterprise and goes to support the nurses we have out in the community that provide free health screenings, free foot care, free diabetes education, and counseling and other services.

LifeCare Alliance offers rapid PCR testing at our headquarters at 1699 W. Mound Street in Columbus, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. You must call for an appointment at 614-437-2878.

LifeCare Alliance Now Offers Rapid COVID testing!

By Uncategorized

Are you getting ready for a trip this winter? If so, make sure you do your research!

Most international destinations now mandate proof of a negative COVID-19 test for entry, and in most cases, the PCR test (SARS-COV-2 PRC TesT) is a preferred testing option. Timing requirements for the test vary from 24, 48, or 72 hours before arrival at your destination.

If you’ll soon be departing for the trip of a lifetime and don’t know where to turn, don’t panic! LifeCare Alliance now offers rapid COVID testing! The rapid PCR test is now available by appointment with guaranteed results in 30 minutes.

The best part? Proceeds from this social enterprise are used to fund LifeCare Alliance’s programs that help the central Ohio community, like Meals-on-Wheels, the Columbus Cancer Clinic, the Central Ohio Diabetes Association, and more!

To schedule an appointment at our Wellness Center (1699 W. Mound Street), call 614-437-2878!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this COVID Travel Test near me?

We are located at 1699 W. Mound Street , Columbus, Ohio 43223

Who needs a rapid PCR test?

Travel to many international destinations requires a negative PCR test at this time. Check with your travel agent, your airline, and confirm with the State Department website that lists destination requirements by country: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html

Here is a sampling of the popular destinations that currently (as of 12/14) require a traveler to provide a negative COVID-19 test upon entry and/or be vaccinated:

  • Barbados
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Dominican Republic
  • England
  • France
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Liberia
  • Peru
  • Sierra Leone
  • Somalia
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania

 What documentation will I receive?

This COVID test with fast results will send you on your way in 30 minutes with a printed copy of your results.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring your passport and driver’s license.

How is the test performed?

A minimally invasive nose swab.

How long will the appointment take?

Please plan for a 30-minute window.

What happens if my test is positive?

If you receive a positive test result, you likely have an infection with SARS-CoV-2. Contact your healthcare provider and your travel agent and travel insurance provider, as your trip will need to be rescheduled.