Mercer County Testing Site Serves 70 Patients On First Day

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ — Mercer County’s drive-through testing site at the Quaker Bridge Mall had a soft opening on Tuesday, sampling 70 patients on an abbreviated schedule, county officials announced.

“We’re working out a few bugs but overall we’re very pleased with the way things went today,” Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said. "Everyone is working hard and we’re geared up for a full day of testing tomorrow.”

The testing center is by appointment only for symptomatic Mercer County residents age 18 or older who have a prescription from their primary health care provider (PCP). Anyone who is symptomatic for coronavirus and wants to be tested should contact their PCP.

Their doctor must fax their prescription to the site's appointment makers. Those who show up and who do not have an appointment will not be able to be tested.

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

The testing center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is a collaborative effort between Mercer County, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, Capital Health System, St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton and the Trenton Health Team.

Mercer County has contracted with Bio-Reference Laboratories, which will provide testing for individuals who are symptomatic and have been scheduled through their PCP.

To be eligible for testing, an individual must be examined by a PCP. The PCP will determine the need for the test based on symptoms. No one should be tested without being symptomatic.

If the PCP deems a test is necessary, they will fax a prescription to the Mercer County call center with the patient’s phone number. Staff will then call the patient, take registration information and schedule an appointment, providing testing site instructions.

For the health, safety and security of staff at the site, patients will not be permitted to leave their vehicles. Walk-ups are not permitted.

Anyone who believes they may have symptoms of coronavirus can consult the State of New Jersey's COVID-19 Information Hub that includes a self-assessment tool that will help you determine whether you should be tested. Visit self.covid19.nj.gov.

See related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know