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COVID-19 Rapid Testing is Now Available

Patients at Velocity Urgent Care can now receive COVID-19 test results in 15 minutes. All Velocity locations have the Quidel Sofia 2, a rapid laboratory analyzer which is capable of running a COVID-19 antigen test faster than the average test. “Sofia 2 is the first antigen test approved by the FDA, a new category of tests for use in the ongoing pandemic,” Velocity CEO Alan Ayers stated. “These diagnostic tests quickly detect fragments of proteins found on or within the virus by testing samples collected from the nasal cavity using swabs, according to the FDA.”

COVID-19 Rapid testing is currently limited to patients with the following criteria:

  • Active COVID-19 symptoms
  • Prolonged exposure to a person who has tested positive
  • Pre-surgical clearance or other medical needs
  • Employment testing requirements

After a brief evaluation, a medical professional at Velocity will determine whether a patient qualifies for the rapid test or a send-out test. Symptoms are not currently required to qualify for a send-out test and eventually Velocity wants to expand asymptomatic testing to include the rapid testing. The send-out tests have a 4-6 day turnaround for results from Velocity’s nationally accredited laboratory partner.

Velocity launched the rapid testing on Wednesday, August 12th and has the capability of up to 50 rapid tests per day, per location. Patients seeking COVID-19 testing can register online at www.velocityuc.com. By registering online, patients have the opportunity for a contactless, paperless registration and will receive text updates when they’re ready to be seen.

All Velocity Urgent Care locations offer no-appointment-necessary visits with licensed providers for treatment of minor illnesses and injuries. Services include digital X-rays and lab capabilities on-site. Most insurance is accepted, and there is a self-pay option for those without insurance. In addition, Velocity’s partnership with Sentara Healthcare enables referrals and data-sharing with more than 3,900 Sentara specialists and primary care providers. Velocity Urgent Care also supports area employers with Workers Compensation injury care; fit-for-duty, new hire and compliance physicals; as well as drug screening conducted at Velocity or at the employer’s place of business. Velocity Urgent Care has 13 operating locations statewide including Virginia Beach (4), Norfolk (2), Suffolk (2), South Boston, Newport News, Williamsburg, Woodbridge and Gloucester. Patients can walk in or check in online at https://velocityuc.com.

About Velocity Urgent Care:

Based in Williamsburg, Velocity Urgent Care is the fastest-growing urgent care provider in Virginia. Founded in 2017, it has grown to 14 locations in Eastern, Southern and Northern Virginia. As a member of the Sentara Quality Care Network (SQCN), Velocity provides data sharing and referral relationships for its patients who require medical services beyond urgent care.