COVID Testing Chambersburg

Chambers’ Point of Care Testing

If you’re looking for testing at our Appleby’s Mount Union location, go to their website directly to schedule:

Appleby’s Drug Store

To better assist our patients, we are now offering rapid influenza tests. Please see the chart below comparing our tests and to schedule an appointment. For both COVID-19 molecular tests, please select how you’d like your results delivered in the questionnaire. Our molecular tests use an anterior nasal swab while our antigen test uses a mid-turbinate swab — please indicate on the questionnaire if you need a nasopharyngeal (or NP) swab to comply with travel. PLEASE NOTE: We cannot provide test results that include a QR code for travel.

ATTENTION: YOU WILL BE CHARGED AN OUT-OF-POCKET FEE FOR YOUR TEST. Due to current medical policy updates, we are unable to provide the necessary paperwork to submit to your insurance. Schedule each patient separately. If there are multiple patients from one household, schedule in consecutive timeslots and we will accommodate testing as simultaneously as possible. Check the chart below to compare the recommended testing age.

It is recommended to complete a test 5 days after a known exposure to COVID-19, REGARDLESS OF VACCINE STATUS. This test confirms presence/absence of genetic material or viral proteins at the time the test is performed. Continue to monitor for changes in symptoms even if you receive a negative test.

Antigen tests are very specific for the virus, but are not as sensitive as molecular tests. This means that a positive result is highly accurate, but a negative result may not rule out infection. Based on current recommendations, we strongly suggest completing a molecular test (either ID NOW or Accula) if possible.

We will try to accommodate rescheduled or canceled appointments but may need to charge a rescheduling fee. Only reserve a timeslot if you or a family member needs a test.

	ImmunocardSTAT	Status
Type of Test	Influenza Antigen	Combo Flu/COVID Antigen
Specimen Collection	Nasal	Nasal
Time to Run Test	20 minutes	20 minutes
Positive Test Accuracy	99-100%	Flu: 94-99%, COVID: 100%
Negative Test Accuracy	85-65%	Flu: 85-91%, COVID: 93%
Recommended Age	3 and Up	3 and Up
Cost	$44	$115

In order to provide an appropriate transition of care for positive influenza results, we have partnered with Physician 360 to utilize their telehealth services. Regardless of your test results, you can directly schedule a telehealth visit with them from the link below or in the banner above:

Physician 360 Telehealth Services

*Please note: there is an additional $39.95 fee to schedule a telehealth visit that is paid directly to Physician 360 within their portal.

DO NOT EXIT YOUR CAR UPON ARRIVAL. PARK IN A DESIGNATED COVID-19 TESTING SPOT AND STAY IN YOUR CAR. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS POSTED OR WAIT FOR ASSISTANCE.  We will be with you as soon as possible–call the pharmacy at 717-263-0747 if you have questions or concerns.

Below is additional information regarding our offered COVID-19 testing:

Q: What kind of COVID-19 tests are you offering?

A: We are now offering Accula rapid PCR, Abbott ID NOW rapid NAAT, Celltrion rapid antigen tests, and Status rapid antigen COVID/flu A&B combo. See the chart above to compare the benefits of each type of test. Both the collection (via nasal, mid-turbinate, or nasopharyngeal swab) and tests are performed by Chambers’ Apothecary staff. The patient will have the results the same day. The target population is patients with COVID-19 symptoms and within the first 5 days of symptom onset. If you are testing due to exposure to a confirmed COVID positive person, you should wait 5-7 days from the exposure to test, REGARDLESS OF VACCINE STATUS. Check the chart above to compare positive and negative result accuracy. The links below are the patient fact sheets for each test:

Accula EUA Patient Fact Sheet

Abbott ID NOW EUA Patient Fact Sheet

Celltrion EUA Patient Fact Sheet

Status Flu/COVID Patient Fact Sheet

Q: Does this test work for the current COVID-19 variants?

A: Yes, all the test manufacturers have completed studies to confirm that the tests perform well with the current COVID-19 variants. However, there are no rapid tests available that can determine which variant is present. The technology does not provide the ability to detect specific mutations or strains of the virus, but instead provides a positive or negative result according to the test type.

Q: What if I need a negative test to return to work or for travel?

A: We can provide documentation of a negative rapid antigen or molecular test or can work with your employer to provide testing status as required to return to work. PLEASE CONFIRM THE TYPE OF TEST REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL WITH YOUR AIRLINE AND/OR DESTINATION. See the chart above comparing each test and confirm that it meets specific requirements.

Q: How do I schedule a COVID-19 test?

A: Use the scheduler located above to check testing availability and schedule an appointment. Follow the directions as provided to ensure that we can offer testing at a time that is convenient to you.

Q: What do I need to schedule a COVID-19 test online?

A: Our scheduling platform requires a name, phone number, and email address to schedule an appointment online. Our scheduling software is HIPAA compliant and we will not release any of your personal health information. Along with this information, payment is required before finalizing your appointment. In order to provide contactless testing, a basic intake form needs to be completed as well.

Q: How much do COVID-19 tests cost? Can I bill my insurance?

A: Compare the cost of each test in the chart above: payment is required before finalizing your appointment. Our scheduling software accepts credit cards, Paypal, and most HSA cards. Due to current medical policy updates, we are unable to provide the necessary paperwork to submit to your insurance. If you choose to bill your insurance manually we can no longer assist with any incorrectly billed claims.

Q: What if I need help filling out the required information online?

A: Call our store at 717-263-0747 to discuss alternate ways to schedule appointments and complete necessary paperwork. We will make every effort to accommodate to your specific needs and help schedule an appointment that is convenient for you.

Q: What should I expect when I arrive for my test?

A: Follow the directions provided in the confirmation email. DO NOT ENTER THE PHARMACY UPON ARRIVAL. PARK IN A DESIGNATED COVID-19 TESTING SPOT AND STAY IN YOUR CAR. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS POSTED OR WAIT FOR ASSISTANCE. We will confirm your name and date of birth and complete the appropriate swab. The antigen test takes about 15 minutes to complete and we will notify you of the results immediately. You’re welcome to wait for the results of the molecular tests but they may take up to an hour to complete. We will either email you by end of day (7PM) or you can return to pick up your results in about an hour. If you are in need of receiving your results sooner or have an extenuating circumstance, please discuss this further with the tester.

Q: Will you report my results to the department of health?

A: In accordance with Pennsylvania law, all positive, negative and inconclusive/indeterminate results must be reported within 24 hours to Pennsylvania’s electronic surveillance system, PA-NEDSS. As with all of our scheduling and in-store services, this information is relayed while maintaining HIPAA-compliant standards. You may receive a call from the PA department of health to assist in contact tracing and prevent further community spread of the virus.

Q: What should I do if I test positive?

A: All of our tests are very accurate in confirming active infections (Accula-100%, ID NOW-95%, Celltrion-98%). Follow these guidelines from the CDC. Even if you have no symptoms, following distancing and quarantining recommendations will help prevent further spread.

Here’s the most important parts:

When to seek emergency medical attention–Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

When you can be around others after a positive test has recently been updated and can be found at the bottom of the page or the link below:

COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation

The pharmacist can discuss self care options to help manage your symptoms and can also recommend a digital thermometer or pulse oximeter if you’d like to monitor your vitals at home.

Q: What should I do if I test negative?

A: If you don’t have symptoms, both non-PCR tests are fairly accurate in confirming the absence of an active infection (ID NOW-93%, Indicaid-93%). If you continue to have symptoms, you can either complete a PCR test (99.8% accurate) or follow up with your primary care provider to rule out other infections. The pharmacist can also discuss self care options to help manage your symptoms.

The following handouts provide information on what your test results mean and what steps to take next.