Hermann Area District Hospital is offering offsite COVID-19 testing at a new location — the parking lot at the Southwest Medical Associates clinic at 1714 Wein Street in Hermann.

Testing will continue to be available most days, and to be by appointment only, and in most cases requires a provider order. You can call the COVID-19 information line 573-569-5049 or directly to Southwest Medical Associates 573-486-2118 to set up your test.

This testing center is one of the first in the state to offer rapid COVID-19 anti-GEN testing, according to Dr. Michael Rothermich, MD.

“This technology tests directly for the presence of COVID-19 virus, in a sample obtained from deep inside the nose,” according to Rothermich. “This test uses the same technology as rapid influenza and rapid strep testing we have done in our clinics for years.  This is a different technology than anti-BODY testing that has been in the news recently for unacceptably low accuracy.  Results take (about) 20 minutes, and are shared with the patient before they leave — as well as being sent to the ordering provider.”

Rothermich will be collecting all the samples at the testing site. HADH will also continue offering PCR testing, which is the technology used at other testing centers.

“PCR is considered the most accurate test for COVID-19, but for our testing center, these tests must be run at Quest or the Missouri state lab, and often take two to five days to get results,” he said. “Your ordering provider will be asked to select the test(s) that is/are most appropriate for you.”