Looking for information on COVID19 testing? Andrea Cardenas, Health Promotion Coordinator of the City of Ames Human Resources Department describes her experiences getting tested both at McFarland Clinic and at TestIowa. She outlines the main options for testing in our area:
TestIowa
515-575-2131 or 844-844-1561 (toll free)
All Iowans can go through Test Iowa at no cost. To be approved for a test, you will have to complete an assessment and then choose a testing location to set up an appointment at testiowa.com/en. After qualifying for testing, choose “Additional options” in the first listing then choose “Story County Iowa Test Clinic” if you live in Central Iowa. The site serves Iowans from outside Story County as well as Story County residents. The test Clinic is located at ISU Research Park 2503 S. Loop Dr.
To schedule an appointment after qualifying for a test call 1-800-866-3492.
Take your QR code with you to your appointment.
Your test results will be e-mailed or texted to you within 72 hours of testing.
McFarlandClinic COVID-19 Clinic
515-500-6711
You can also contact your healthcare provider or the McFarland Clinic COVID-19 line. This is billed through insurance and there may be a co-pay or additional fees.
Rapid COVID-19 testing is available through DoctorsNow in the Des Moines area. This is not covered by most insurance providers so you may pay for the full cost of the test out of pocket. There is a fee for this service - it appears to be under $100. You get your results very quickly.
Unless you take this rapid test, it normally takes up to 72 hours to receive test results. Although it takes longer to get the result, the slower PCR testprovided through Test Iowa or your healthcare provider is the most accurate and is the gold standard for COVID-19 testing.
Joe Lekowski, botanist, talks about seed gathering, especially from the coneflower or Echinacea Purpura Prairie Splendor.
Public Relations officer Susan Gwiasda reminds us of the budget meeting streamed live tonight. Fire Chief Rich Higgins gives an update on the COVID 19 Task Force in Ames, and tells us that a new site has been found for Test Iowa, since the facility at 2503 S. Loop Dr in the ISU Research Park . He did not reveal yet where the site will be but says it will open soon. He reminded all residents of Central Iowa to use the Story County Test Iowa site.
