Viral Testing Blog

I Need a PCR Test…but What is it Exactly?

Lab technician holding swab collection kit,Coronavirus COVID-19 specimen collecting equipment,DNA nasal and oral swabbing for PCR polymerase chain reaction laboratory testing procedure and shipping

Many people need a COVID-19 PCR test to go on vacation, go back to work, or a physician has requested a PCR test with negative results. So what is a PCR test? Does MainStreet offer PCR testing? Is it the same as rapid testing? Here we explain the difference between the two tests. By the… Read more »

Getting Employees Tested for COVID-19

Portrait of mid adult woman wearing face mask using digital tablet - working at warehouse / industry

Employers are researching how to get their employees tested and vaccinated for COVID-19. You may have already had an outbreak at your place of business. Maybe you have a only couple of employees that need to be tested or vaccinated. Either way, we know COVID-19 isn’t going away anytime soon and we can help your… Read more »

How Do I Get a Rapid COVID-19 Test?

Coronavirus COVID-19 medical technician professional doctor hand giving a swab test.

How do you get a rapid COVID-19 test? We’ve developed a contactless registration system for MainStreet and KidsStreet clinics. It does require a wait, but please know that we’re trying to help you and your neighbors the best we can. Thank you in advance for your patience. This is not an appointment, but pre-registering can… Read more »

COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Questions and Answers

Rapid test device for COVID-19

This post is about MainStreet’s COVID-19 rapid antigen test. All MainStreet clinics have a COVID-19 testing threshold based on the amount of staffing in each clinic. If you have further questions, please email info@mainstreetfamilycare.com. As testing evolves, so will our clinic policies. Please check here for updates before coming to the clinic. MainStreet Family Care… Read more »

What to Expect: COVID-19 Testing

nurse uses laptop in hospital or doctor's office.

We get a lot of questions about what to expect when you come into the clinic for COVID-19 testing. Here we’ll walk you through it and give you a few tips that might make testing and getting your results a little easier. Set Up a Patient Portal Account If you’d like, you can do this… Read more »

Should You Get Tested or Retested for COVID-19?

Infected Swab Test Sample in Doctor Hands. COVID-19 Epidemic and Virus Outbreak.

As summer begins and COVID-19 cases in Alabama increase, you may wonder, “When should I get tested? If I’ve been tested already, do I need to get retested?” The simple answer is this: anyone can walk-in to MainStreet Family Care to be tested at any time for the virus or for antibodies. MainStreet Family Care… Read more »

Summer Camp Safety During COVID-19

Two boys enjoying kayaking on lake on sunny summer day

Summer camp safety during COVID-19 is something many families are trying to navigate. In the midst of the pandemic, community summer programs are going to look a lot different this year. While some parents are deciding whether or not to send their children to camp, many others don’t have a choice. For many families, community… Read more »

What Families are Missing Most

A mother stands with her daughter, visiting senior parents but observing social distancing with a glass door between them. The granddaughter puts her hand up to the glass, the grandfather and grandmother doing the same. A small connection in a time of separation during the Covid-19 pandemic.

One thing many families are missing the most during the COVID-19 pandemic is EACH OTHER. Now that restrictions have been lifted and businesses are reopening, many families are coming together again and visiting with grandparents. Complete self-isolation is the only way to currently avoid getting ill. But many of us desperately need to connect with… Read more »

COVID-19 Testing for Uninsured Patients

We are excited to participate in a program launched by the Department of Human Health Services (HHS). This program is designed to reimburse healthcare providers and laboratories for providing COVID-19 testing to uninsured patients. This allows us to extend COVID-19 testing to patients without insurance. Our participation in the Uninsured Patient Program will be available… Read more »

Is COVID-19 Testing Free?

Scientist Conducting Research in Chemical Lab. Scientist Working in Lab

This post was updated to reflect recent changes in government and insurers’ policies to help patients seeking either COVID-19 viral testing or COVID-19 antibody testing. Please check regularly for updates. Last revised on July 26, 2020. We’ve all seen the headlines that announce “free testing” and “everyone can have a test.” While this is the… Read more »