Allegheny Health Network Expands Coronavirus Test Sites

PITTSBURGH, PA - Allegheny Health Network opened two additional coronavirus remote testing sites Tuesday, raising the total number of the network's testing sites to six. The new locations are at the network's urgent care center in Braddock and at the former Divine Providence Hospital on the North Side.

The collection sites will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The network decided to expand the program after more than 2,500 patients were tested at drive-up collection sites in Bethel Park, Erie, Monroeville and Wesford since those sites were launched in late March.

“With the success to date of our initial drive-up testing sites, we continue to explore other possible locations based on the pandemic’s progress and the demand for testing in the many communities we serve,” Dr. Tom Walsh, infectious disease specialist and medical director of the network's antimicrobial stewardship program, said in a release. “We are very excited to be opening two new sites within our urban footprint where we can safely and expeditiously administer COVID-19 testing for those who live in these communities and other nearby neighborhoods.”

To undergo testing at the new locations, patients will need to have a valid prescription order for the test from a network affiliated health care provider and have an appointment scheduled. Those who have appointments for testing at the Braddock or North Side location can either drive through or walk into the site for their test.

On-demand or walk-up testing without an appointment is not available at these locations.

According to the network, those who have been directed to the testing locations should be aware of the following:

• Patients will be given a specific appointment window, in order to minimize wait times.
• Patients will drive or walk through a secured, marked area.
• No outdoor restrooms will available at the collection locations.
• The sample is collected via a nasal swab and the process typically takes less than 30 seconds, not including any wait times.
• The sample will be tested for influenza as well as the novel coronavirus.
• Testing results for the coronavirus typically take 5-7 days, depending on regional test volume. Individuals will be contacted directly with their results. As volumes increase, wait times for results may be longer.
• While waiting for their test results, individuals should stay at home. Those who receive positive COVID-19 test results may be issued additional care orders or self-isolation orders.