Demand for rapid covid testing on the rise in Western Pa.

The rise in the number of omicron variant cases has led to long lines at area testing sites, including those provided by Curative, one of the entities Allegheny County has partnered with to conduct testing.

Last Tuesday around the county, Curative performed more than 2,700 covid-19 tests — its highest number in a single day, according to Dr. Debra Bogen, director of the Allegheny County Health Department.

The health department and Curative expanded testing capacity at the permanent sites operated by Curative, as well as in mobile vans.

“We are seeing a spike in testing demand across our sites nationwide,” said Pasquale Gianni, a Curative spokesperson. “While we do accept on-site registration for testing, due to demand, wait times can be longer than usual right now. Patients can make an appointment ahead of time by visiting curative.com.”

The health department has a covid-19 test locator on its website, as well as a schedule for the mobile testing sites for people looking to get tested.

Allegheny Health Network patients have been using Curative, as well.

“Of course (AHN) has a great testing system in place, but with the sheer number of people that need tested, it’s nice to see that other groups are helping everyone get tested,” said Dr. Brian Lamb, an internal medicine specialist at Allegheny General Hospital. “Anyone who can help with the testing process, it just helps everybody.”

The state Department of Health on Friday reported a record 13,286 new covid cases, topping the previous record of 12,884 set in December 2020.

Allegheny County recorded 1,585 new cases, though more than a third are considered probable and likely come from rapid or at-home testing. In Westmoreland County, 396 new cases were reported — the most since early this month.

This week, labs confirmed cases in Allegheny County that were tied to the quick-spreading omicron variant, officials said. One sample was collected Dec. 7 and the other Dec. 13.

Excela Health has been testing more than 70 people per day and can expand capacity as needed at its testing center on Frye Farm Road in Unity, according to spokeswoman Robin Jennings.

The health system reopened the facility last week in response to the increasing number of covid cases cases in the region. The clinic is staffed Monday through Friday by appointment, with slots typically available within 24 hours except on weekends, Jennings said. She added only PCR tests are available there.

At most UPMC test sites, you’ll need a doctor’s order (referral) and an appointment before you visit, according to UPMC spokesperson Andrea Kunicky.

“If you are experiencing covid-19 symptoms or have a known exposure to someone with covid-19, you can call your primary care provider to see if you are eligible for testing and a referral,” she said.

For his part, Lamb said rapid tests can give people a false sense of security. “If you have a high risk exposure and your test is negative or you have some symptoms and you’re test is negative, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have (covid).”

Lamb suggests that anyone with any serious concerns about whether they might have covid should avoid visiting friends and relatives — especially older ones — during the holidays.