Covid-19: a rapid screening center opens Thursday at the La Madeleine pharmacy, in Chartres

Rapid antigenic tests are now available in pharmacies to screen for the coronavirus. The result is accessible immediately after the sample. In order to help laboratories “suffocated by the growing demand for tests”, the La Madeleine pharmacy, in the Carrefour shopping area, in Chartres, offers a screening center, open from this Thursday, November 5.

What is an antigen test?

The antigen test is a nasopharyngeal (in the nose) test. It is used to determine whether the person is infected with the virus at the time of the sample. The result is communicated 15 to 30 minutes later.

Where to get tested?

La Madeleine pharmacy has set up barnums in front of its pharmacy, in the Carrefour car park. The samples will take place there. For the moment, only one stand is installed, “but that can change according to the affluence”, specifies Damien Cornely, pharmacist in charge of the pharmacy of La Madeleine. “We want to participate, at our level, in this war against the virus. “

When?

Every day, Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The tests will be carried out without an appointment. “It’s difficult to anticipate, but we estimate the time dedicated to each person at 15 minutes,” says Mickaël Benamram, also a pharmacist.

Damien Cornely (left) and Mickaël Benamram, pharmacists at the La Madeleine pharmacy, in Chartres.

Who can get tested?

Antigenic tests are reserved primarily for symptomatic people under the age of 65, without a risk factor for developing a severe form of Covid-19. The test should take place within four days of the onset of clinical signs.

“Tests will also be favored in universities, for staff in accommodation establishments for dependent elderly people, etc. », Specifies Richard Vieau, director of the Eure-et-Loir primary health insurance fund.

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Is the test paying?

The antigen test is reimbursed 100% by Social Security.

Is a prescription needed?

No. The person tested only needs to bring their Vitale card.

Who will carry out the tests?

In the center installed by the La Madeleine pharmacy, some of the staff will be authorized to perform the tests. Six to eight people, including Damien Cornely and Mickaël Benamram, were trained “by the laboratories and doctors of the city”. They will work in pairs.

“Liberal nurses have already offered to help us,” adds Mickaël Benamram. Professionals will be equipped with personal protection (gown, visor, FFP2 mask).

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The results

The results will be communicated on site by the staff. In the event of a positive result, it will be asked to contact the attending physician and follow the isolation rules.