Need a COVID test as omicron surges after the holidays? Here are Horry County options
The latest surge of the coronavirus has people in Horry County and across the U.S. scrambling to find COVID-19 tests.
But there are a few different options.
Each test comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks, and it can be confusing to decipher which test is the best for your situation, when to get tested and whether or not you need to quarantine.
The Sun News broke down the difference between the types of tests.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test
This test detects part of the virus’ genetic material. It’s administered by collecting saliva or swabbing the inside of the nose. It’s considered the best test to determine if a person was recently infected with the virus, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), but a person can test positive with this test even after they’re not contagious.
This test also has a level of delay associated with it. There’s a chance the viral load isn’t high enough to be detected by the PCR test until days after exposure.
The PCR test is usually most reliable when the person has exhibited symptoms of COVID-19.
Blood test, antibody test or serology testing
The blood tests and antibody tests are typically most effective to determine if someone has had the virus in the past. These types of tests are meant to detect the antibodies produced when the body is attempting to fight off the virus.
Sometimes, antibodies can’t be detected until one to three weeks after exposure to the virus. If you receive a negative antibody test, it’s still possible you’re currently infected.
Antigen tests
The antigen tests, commonly called rapid tests or at-home tests, are often sold at pharmacies, grocery stores and other locations for around $10 per test. But during the most recent surge setting caseload records across the country, they can be difficult to find, and many stores have limited the number of tests purchased per person.
Antigen tests detect a protein the virus instead of the virus’ genetic material, according to DHEC.
The antigen tests could miss lower levels of the virus, and one negative test doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have the virus at that time.
Where can you find a COVID test in Horry County?
Antigen tests, or rapid tests, have been harder to come by in recent weeks as people seek out tests before and after holiday gatherings.
While results from the PCR tests don’t come as quickly as an antigen test, PCR tests are often free when offered at a DHEC-sponsored site. Be sure to check which entity is running a site before going to see if you’ll be charged. Hours also vary for each site.
To check hours, potential charges and find more sites near you, visit https://scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-testing-locations.
Here’s where you can find PCR tests in Horry County:
- ARCpoint Labs - 9593 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach
- CVS Pharmacy Murrells Inlet - 101 Founders Bay Road, Murrells Inlet
- CVS Pharmacy Myrtle Beach - 512 S. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach
- CVS Pharmacy Myrtle Beach - 3411 Socastee Blvd., Myrtle Beach
- CVS Pharmacy Myrtle Beach - 1303 38th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach
- CVS Pharmacy Myrtle Beach - 101 Fetlock Dr., Myrtle Beach
- CVS Pharmacy Myrtle Beach - 6617 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach
- CVS Pharmacy Myrtle Beach - 930 82nd Pkwy., Myrtle Beach
- CVS Pharmacy North Myrtle Beach - 4401 Hwy. 17 S., North Myrtle Beach
- CVS Pharmacy Surfside Beach - 601 Hwy. 17 N., Surfside Beach
- Careteam Plus Family Health & Specialty Care - 100 Professional Park Dr., Conway
- DHEC, Conway Health Department - 1931 Industrial Park Rd., Conway
- DHEC, Myrtle Beach Health Department - 700 21st Ave. N., Myrtle Beach
- DHEC, New Simpson Creek Holiness Church - 971 Bennett Loop, Loris
- DHEC, Loris First Presbyterian Church - 5435 Main St., Loris
- DHEC, Horry Georgetown Technical College - 2050 US-501, Conway
- DHEC, Myrtle Beach Airport - 1090 Radar Rd., Myrtle Beach
- Main Street Physicians Conway - 1400 Main St., Conway
- Main Street Physicians Little River - 3600 Sea Mountain Highway, Little River
- North Myrtle Beach Mobile Urgent Care - 802 Sea Mountain Hwy., North Myrtle Beach
- Regional Health and Testing Center - 606 W. Broadway St., Myrtle Beach
