BUCYRUS—There is yet one more pandemic-fighting tool available in the Crawford County community. Both the Bucyrus and Crestline Public Libraries are partnering with the Crawford County Public Health office to distribute at-home BinaxNow COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits.
These self-administered tests, provided at no cost by the state of Ohio through an agreement with eMed, can provide test results in as little as 15 minutes. The BinaxNOW COVID-19 at-home nasal swab test has been authorized by FDA under an EUA (emergency use authorization) for the detection of proteins from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens.
The Bucyrus Public Library Director, Stephanie Buchanan, and the Crestline Public Library Director, Cheryl Swihart, both expressed enthusiasm that the libraries are the distribution points for at-home COVID-19 test kits in Crawford County.
“We are always willing to adjust our programs to meet the needs of our patrons,” Buchanan explained. “The library is at the heart of a community in terms of connecting people to resources.”
Swihart shared her gratitude that the library has an opportunity to help members of the Crestline community in preventing the further spread of the virus.
“Helping community members know their positive result within 15-30 minutes can help them isolate sooner than a test result that is returned several days later. It is convenient and quick and will help our community make informed decisions to better protect themselves,” said Swihart.
There are two main types of tests used to detect active COVID-19 infection. The molecular (PCR) test is considered the “gold standard” that identifies the presence of the virus’s genetic material at even low rates of infection through the use of a lab. Unfortunately, it can take days to get PCR test results. The other type of test used to detect an active COIV-19 infection is an antigen test that detects specific proteins (such as the spike proteins found on the outside surface of the virus).
While antigen tests are very specific, they are not as sensitive as molecular tests. This means false-negative results tend to occur more often with antigen testing since they are not always able to detect low viral loads at either the beginning or end of an infection when you may be unknowingly carrying the virus. However, since antigen testing is much quicker and less expensive, using antigen tests can be a good strategy for identifying people that may be spreading the virus. A positive antigen test should be followed up with an appointment with your healthcare provider who may prescribe a follow-up PCR test to confirm the diagnosis.
Crawford County Health Commissioner Kate Siefert reached out to both libraries soon after receiving the free at-home test kits from the Ohio Department of Health.
“Knowing these libraries, and the commitment level the librarians have shown to safely provide services to the public during a pandemic, I knew immediately they would be the best location for making these test kits conveniently available to the Crawford County community,” said Siefert. “They are very easy to use and can help people make good decisions in a very short amount of time. I am absolutely thrilled our libraries jumped right in with no hesitation to help get these resources into the hands of those that can use them.”
She said people can use these kits before traveling to show an airline they are negative before flying, an employee can use them after traveling out of state if they need to show their employer they are negative, a family member can use them just before visiting an elderly relative to add to their peace of mind, parents can use them when trying to decide whether or not their child is dealing with something else or if it is indeed COVID-19.
“There are several scenarios when using a rapid test like this can be helpful. And there is no cost and no co-pay. It’s nice to have yet one more option to have when trying to make decisions during a pandemic,” Siefert said.
To use a test kit, you must have access to the internet and either a smartphone or tablet with a camera or a computer/laptop with a webcam. Once you get the test home, you will go to the website and click on the START TESTING button on the page. You will answer a series of questions to prepare for a free visit with an eMed proctor that will provide instructions for taking the test. The entire process will take 15 to 30 minutes to complete and receive results. The ohio.emed.com website has a short, two-minute instructional video available on their homepage you can watch prior to testing that explains how the test works.
When you arrive at one of the libraries to pick up a test kit, you will need to provide your name, date of birth, and an email address to the person handing you a test kit. You will then take the kit home for use.
The Bucyrus Library, located at 200 E. Mansfield St., in Bucyrus is offering curbside pickup of the test kits Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Crestline Public Library is located at 324 Thoman St., in Crestline, Ohio and is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Siefert cautions that testing alone is not going to end the pandemic. The use of all available tools is important in the battle against COVID-19. Testing does not substitute for avoiding crowded indoor spaces, washing your hands frequently, social distancing, wearing a facial covering when around others, and getting the vaccine when it is available to you.
“We need to remember that a negative test today does not mean you won’t be positive tomorrow. That single test is just a snapshot of the moment. Combining personal responsibility with smart use of testing is key in combatting COVID-19,” said Siefert.
