Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Center Opens In Crestwood

Lorraine Swanson
Updated ·2 min read

CRESTWOOD, IL — With surging coronavirus numbers and an anticipated spike during the holiday season, getting tested early when you’re feeling symptoms or believe you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 could save your own life and others.

The Village of Crestwood announces the opening of a drive-thru COVID-19 testing center at the Crestwood Civic Center, 14025 S Kostner Ave. Test results are returned within 48 hours.

The new Alzein COVID Testing Center is now open and expected to perform up to 200 tests per day, six days a week. The testing center offers the PCR test, also called the molecular test, which detects the virus with a polymerase chain reaction technique. The testing is done by swabbing the nasal cavity and throat and results are nearly 100 percent accurate.

“The coronavirus is, most unfortunately, continuing to surge throughout Chicagoland,” CEO Hassan Alzein said in a news release. “With an ever-increasing need for testing to ensure that infected adults and children begin quarantining immediately to prevent spread, we are happy to partner with the Village of Crestwood to help protect our greater community.”

Mayor Lou Presta called the testing center a great resource for residents, employees and those in nearby communities.

“I am very excited for the village to team up with Dr. Alzein,” the mayor said. “Having this resource six days a week in our community will be great for people.”

There is no cost for COVID testing; it is covered by a patient’s health insurance or by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for those without healthcare coverage.

Appointments are required at the Alzein COVID Testing Center and can be scheduled by visiting HEMATOGENIX and selecting Crestwood as the testing site. The user will be asked to complete a symptom screening, fill out waiver and identification information, and record any possible exposures. An appointment date and time will be selected and a confirmation number granted.

The confirmation number, personal identification and insurance information is required at the scheduled appointment. Testing itself is quick, less than 2 minutes after checking in. Results are confidentially emailed from Hematogenix, the lab processing the tests, within 48 hours.

Alzein recommends testing be done whenever a person suspects they’ve been exposed to the virus and whenever a person exhibits symptoms. These can include:

  • Fever or chills

  • Cough

  • Runny or congested nose

  • Difficulty breathing of shortness of breath

  • Loss of taste or smell

  • Fatigue

  • Body or muscle aches

  • Headache

  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

“What you may think is the flu or a cold can be COVID-19,” said Alzein. “It is always best to get a test. If you find out you’re negative, that’s wonderful. But if you are positive, immediate quarantining — and knowing that if your symptoms get worse, you need immediate treatment — means saving many lives, including yours.”

This article originally appeared on the Alsip-Crestwood Patch