Big Sandy Pharmacy is offering additional point of care testing services for our patients. This program enables them to conduct influenza(flu), strep, urinary tract infections, cholesterol and glucose tests and to receive results within minutes and treat accordingly, allowing the patient to care for his or her healthy.
Thirty three years ago, the development of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA ‘88), introduced point-of-care testing (POCT)
In the early stages of the flu, many people do not realize thy are infected. Without knowing it they risk exposing their family and co-workers to the disease. Studies show that most healthy adults can infect others with the flue up to one day before they start having symptoms and can infect others for up to five days after becoming sick. With millions of cases reported each year treatment for flue with antiviral drugs is most effective in reducing flue symptoms if used within the first 48 hours.
The prevalence of strep throat also continues, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports between 4 and 6 out of every 20 children with a sore throat have strep throat. Parents of school-aged children and adults who are often in contact with children have a higher risk for strep throat. Parents of school-aged children and adults who are often in contact with children have a higher risk for strep throat. Crowding, which is often found in school and daycare center increases the risk of the disease spreading. Step throat accounts for 20% to 30% of sore throats in children and 5% to15% sore throats in adults.
Also, chronic diseases and healthy conditions including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity have direct influences on population healthy. They are some of the most common and also preventable healthy conditions, but some people are not aware that they are affected. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, of 30.3 million people who have diabetes in the United States, only 23.1 million people are diagnosed, while 7.2 million are undiagnosed. 95 million adults are 20 or older have total cholesterol levels greater than 200 mg/dL, and 29 millions of those adult have levels greater than 240 mg/dL. Recently, the paraments for blood pressure measurements changed, which let to about 14% more people diagnosed with high blood pressure. These health risks can be assessed by point-of-care screenings.
Dr. Danielle Weaver, PharmD, MBA of the Big Sandy Pharmacy has posted the cost of each of the following tests: 1. Influenza A + B: $30.00 (Must be at least 13 years of age); 2. Streptococcal Pharyngitis (Strep throat): $30.00 (Must be at least 3 years of age); 3. Hemoglobin A1C Testing: $30.00; 4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): $30.00; 5. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): $30.00; Cholesterol and Blood Glucose: $50.00 (Must be at least 18 years or older and fasting is recommended.); 7. SARS-CoV-2: $30.00
Appointments are not necessary, these tests are offered on walk-in basis. Any question, please contact the pharmacy at 406-378-5588
