COVID-19 tests: Where to look for them in Greater Columbus as demand still outpaces supply – The Columbus Dispatch

As Ohio and other states continue to seerecord numbers of new coronavirus cases due to the latest variant, omicron, testing remains in high demand.

And whilesupply is beginning to catch up to demand following a holiday surge, there is still uncertainty about where to find tests, whether it be at pharmacies, clinics or other sites. Pleas on social media asking for at-home rapid tests arecommonplace.

Perhaps it's no surprise, given that the United Statestopped the 1 million mark in new coronavirus cases for the first time on Jan. 3. Though the totalwas likely increased by holiday weekend backlogs, it obliterated the previous record of 591,000 set the previous week, according to USA Today.

While President Joe Biden has set agoal of providing Americans with 500 million free at-home tests as soon as possible, many are struggling in their search for a COVID-19 test. For area residents in that situation, here are some resources around Greater Columbusto get you started.

Where have you found tests? Share what you know in the comments on this story

The Ohio Department of Health compilesa directory of testing and community health centers that provide COVID-19 tests. There are almost 200 locations listed in FranklinCounty alone, and these include community clinics, libraries, pharmacies and urgent care centers.

The directory can be found atcoronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/dashboards/other-resources/testing-ch-centers.

The department is referring people to their public libraries or recreation centers, where tests are distributed free when in stock. For those needing documentation for employment or travel, the department is referring people toOhio State University's Wexner Medical Center for PCR, or molecular, tests that require an appointment. For more information, go to wexnermedical.osu.edu/features/coronavirus/patient-care/covid-19-testing.

Most branch libraries in and around Columbus have been giving outantigen tests, requiring a nasal swab and providing results within minutes. Officials recommend calling first to make sure that the free tests are available and scheduling a time for curbside pickup.

Columbus Metropolitan Library's call center (614-645-2275)gave a message on ThursdayJan. 6 that tests had been depleted and would not be replenished until at least next week.

Like libraries, each community center was supplied with tests last month to give out at no cost. But the supplies have run out. A spokeswoman for the department (614-645-3300)said that officials are "brainstorming" ways to find new shipments.

Most chains such as CVS andWalgreens require appointments for tests, whether PCR or rapid. Call or check online for details. There have been reports of pharmacies scheduling appointments days or weeks out, and even those can fill quickly.

An announcement on CVS's websitenotes that appointments are limited and that "rapid test results are still available within hours, but lab test results are taking 1 to 3 days."

Most locations are providing testing only for patients who have been referred by tele-health or doctor visits. And emergency rooms are turning people away unless they have symptoms or other critical needs.

There are two main kinds of COVID-19 diagnostic tests to show if you have an active coronavirus infection, according to theU.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Molecular tests, such as PCR tests, detect the viruss genetic material. Antigentests detect specific proteins on the surface of the virus.

Columbus-area COVID numbers: COVID cases in Franklin County jump 20% in a week

Molecular tests can give results within the same day, but turnaround times to analyze the test and release the resultsare likely to be longer andcan take up to a week. The antigen test takes an hour or less.

However, the moleculartest is typically highly accurate and usually doesn'tneed to be repeated, while antigen tests can't definitively rule out active coronavirus infection and are more likely to miss an active coronavirus infection. Negative results from an antigen test may need to be confirmed with a molecular test.

dnarciso@dispatch.com

@DeanNarciso

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COVID-19 tests: Where to look for them in Greater Columbus as demand still outpaces supply - The Columbus Dispatch