I took the COVID-19 drive-thru test

The much awaited phase of mass scale COVID-19 testing appears to be fairly close now. A number of CVS pharmacies in Ohio, almost two dozen, are offering drive-thru tests to ordinary citizens with symptoms. I signed up for one yesterday, and here’s how it went.

Drive thru testing is by appointment only, which one may secure on their Web site. The form is fairly simple, with check boxes for triage questions I assume helps prioritize patients.

The questions basically check for:

1. A referral from a doctor
2. Common COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, breathlessness, etc.
3. Risk profile, such as whether you’re a first responder or caregiver.

This is addition to name, age, and insurance information.

I did have some breathlessness and mild coughing, which is why I wanted to get myself tested. I didn’t however have a doctor’s referral, nor am I in one of the high risk categories listed. Surprisingly, I was granted an appointment, probably because there were unused time slots still open. Mine was less than 20 minutes later.

The actual sample collection process.

I actually jumped in my car as soon as I hit Submit. Which means that although I saw the confirmation email, I didn’t have time to properly review the instructions for self-collecting the sample.

That’s right, it’s a self-collection process using ‘Q-tips’ (cotton swabs). Thankfully, CVS emails short and visual instructions before-hand. It outlines how to collect the sample, and what to do if tested positive for COVID.

I drove up to the regular drive-thru window at the pharmacy. While the core process is fairly straight-forward, I was initially overwhelmed by the number of items in the ‘test-kit’, which is essentially a paper bag with several ziploc bags in it, that was handed to me.

Items other than paper bag test kit, minus the ziploc bag the actual sample.

It took me a few minutes to find the gloves at the bottom of the bag, and the actual test kit, while I set aside the other packets of instructions and cleaning wipes.

I didn’t have anyone behind me when I rolled up, but I would’ve panicked and pressed for time had there been a line of cars behind me. It’s not practical to read the instructions in the car while juggling everything that comes in the bag.

Thankfully, the pharmacist walked me through the process. The general idea is to push a‘Q-tip’ about an inch up each nostril and ‘rotate’ it against the nasal wall. I had a bit of difficulty following what ‘rotate’ meant. I just did it till my eyes watered.

Overall, it still took a full 9 minutes at the window. Most of it was waiting while the pharmacist labeled my test kit and checked my insurance details.

The drop box is right by the window, and LabCorp comes by to pick up the samples multiple times a day. In fact, one of their technicians emptied it out just before I rolled up.

Results should be available online in 24–48 hours, and available for viewing on CVS Minute Clinic’s MyChart portal. I’m still awaiting mine.