LAURINBURG – Scotland Health has expanded its COVID-19 testing capabilities to include rapid antigen testing.  The antigen test is designed to detect proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19.

Rapid antigen tests return results in approximately 15 minutes and results are provided during the office visit.  If a test is positive, no further testing will be done.  Positive rapid tests are considered much more accurate while negative tests are sent to the lab for confirmation.

Patients must first visit with a provider to determine rapid test eligibility and only patients who are currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will be considered for the rapid test. 

Rapid testing is available at the following Scotland Health primary care provider offices: Harris Family Practice (Laurinburg), Wolonick Family Practice (Laurinburg), Wagram Family Practice, Maxton Family Practice, Pembroke Family Practice, and Marlboro Family Practice and Urgent Care Center (Bennettsville).

“We are excited to have this additional testing option for our patients and the communities that we serve,” shared Dr. Shelly Lowery, chief medical officer for Scotland Physicians Network.  “Point-of-care testing provides immediate results and allows for more rapid medical intervention and encourages those who test positive to make behavior changes that would limit the spread of the illness to others.  We believe this will serve as an additional benefit to our extensive health and safety measures already in place and is another way that Scotland Health is providing closer care that is better by far.”

In addition to rapid tests, Scotland Health also offers a drive through testing clinic open weekdays to those with a physician’s order.  The drive through clinic is located at 500 Lauchwood Drive in Laurinburg and is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Scotland Health also offers free testing at various locations and times across its service area.

For questions regarding the rapid antigen test or for information on upcoming free testing services, call the COVID-19 helpline at 910-504-8990, visit the Scotland Health Care System Facebook page, or visit www.scotlandhealth.org/covid-19-update. 

About Scotland Health Care System

Scotland Health Care System, an affiliate of Atrium Health, is a community owned, not-for-profit health care system located in Laurinburg, North Carolina. The system is comprised of the 104-bed Scotland Memorial Hospital, Scotland Memorial Foundation, Scotland Family Counseling Center, and Scotland Regional Hospice.  The Health Care System also owns and operates six primary care facilities, three specialty practices,  two general surgery practices, and three ob/gyn practices. With close to 1,000 employees, Scotland Health Care System is Scotland County’s largest, non-governmental, private employer. Its medical staff includes 91 physicians representing many medical specialties.