By Beacon Staff
Burlington resident Keith Turrill believes he may have contracted the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a few months ago.
He is not sure, of course, and likely never will be without a serologic (antibody test), which detects antibodies people develop after becoming infected with the novel coronavirus. Unlike the cotton swab test, the serologic test is not considered reliable by the CDC, which Turrill understands.
Since Turrill did exhibit most of the symptoms of coronavirus and is considered high risk because of his asthma, he figured it would be prudent to get a cotton swab test. Drive-thru testing conducted by health professionals from Great River Health System began Wednesday at the Des Moines County Fairgrounds in West Burlington.
“It went pretty well. I went online, did the survey,” he said, noting that was the first step.
Qualifying For The Test
Before obtaining an appointment to be tested at the Des Moines County Fairgrounds, individuals must first complete a brief survey on the Test Iowa website. Questions range from medical (identifying if you are diabetic, pre-diabetic, etc.) to behavioral, such as how often you are in public. You will also be asked to provide your height and weight.
The website determines if you are eligible for a test, as Turrill was. The option to test in Des Moines County does not appear on the initial confirmation screen (the closest test site presented is Ottumwa). However, if you signify you wanted to be tested at a local clinic by clicking that option, the Des Moines County test site does appear.
From there, you are given a unique identity code and a QR code, which must be scanned at the test site, either with a print-out copy or screen capture on your phone. An email containing this information is also sent.
You must then call the clinic, present your case-sensitive identity code, and then schedule an appointment.
Turrill said he didn’t get his email until after he tested, but it worked out fine. He just presented a copy of the code when he arrived using a screenshot from his phone.
Taking The Test
Turrill scheduled his appointment for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday and he waited in line for 15 minutes — mostly due to a large semi truck-trailer in front of him.
“I think they were trying to figure out how to get up on the truck and test them,” Turrill said.
Those who arrive for a test are told not to leave their vehicles, so the truck driver never had to exit.
His test went even quicker, which is the norm.
“They checked my ID, and put the swab in my nose for a few seconds,” Turrill said.
Some people report painful aftereffects, such as Burlington resident Wendi Riggens. Her nose itched and burned for about 30 minutes afterward.
Turrill suffered no post-swab discomfort.
“It felt like blowing your nose,” he said.
Doctors test for COVID-19 by collecting a culture from the mucus in the uppermost part of the throat, behind the nose. A cotton-tipped swab is gently passed through a nostril and into the nasopharynx, which is located over the roof of the mouth. The swab is quickly rotated and removed.
Turrill will know his results about three days after the test, but he’s sure he’s negative. He hasn’t had symptoms in quite some time and mostly stays at home. He’s a photographer, but the pandemic has hurt business.
“I don’t see any return to normal until they get a vaccine,” he said
Photo by Keith Turrill
Health care workers from Great River Health System are shown on Wednesday at the drive-thru COVID-19 testing clinic in West Burlington.