Yenny Rojas

The Importance of a Pre-Employment Drug Test

Drug tests have become increasingly commonplace in the business world as companies attempt to create a drug-free workplace, avoid potential legal liability, and improve productivity. There are several reasons why an employer might require a pre-employment drug test. If you are an employer, weigh the pros and cons of drug testing before making a decision. After all, the most vital is ensuring the employees are productive and safe.

Let’s talk about the importance of a pre-employment drug test and where you can go to get this test done in King, NC.

The Importance of a Pre-Employment Drug Test

Many companies now require applicants to take a pre-employment drug test. Drug testing helps identify potential employees who may use drugs that could impact their job performance or create safety hazards.

Drug testing can also help employers identify potential substance abuse problems among employees. That allows them to get the help they need before it affects their job performance.

Here are some reasons why pre-employment drug tests are essential:

1. To Ensure a Safe Workplace

The number one priority for any business is to create a safe work environment. Drug use can lead to accidents and injuries on the job, which puts employees and customers at risk. By requiring a pre-employment drug test, companies can make sure that their employees are not putting others in danger.

2. To Avoid Potential Legal Liability

The company becomes liable if an employee sustains an injury while working. There are also legal repercussions if the employee was under drug influence during the accident. By requiring a drug test, companies can avoid this potential legal liability.

3. To Improve Productivity

Employees who use drugs may be more likely to call in sick, show up late, or have job accidents. That can lead to lost productivity and higher insurance rates. Companies can weed out employees likely to cause these problems by requiring a drug test.

4. To Send a Message That Drug Use Is Not Tolerated

Companies requiring drug tests send a strong message to their employees that they don’t tolerate drug use. That can help to create a drug-free workplace. It may also discourage employees from using drugs in the first place.

5. To Save Money

In addition to the cost of lost productivity, companies have to spend money on possible future damage control. Companies can save money in the long run by requiring a drug test.

6. To Safeguard the Well-Being of Employees

Lastly, employers are responsible for safeguarding their employees’ well-being. Drug use can lead to health problems. Companies want to avoid potential risks to their employees’ health and safety.

Nowadays, workplaces don’t focus on productivity and output alone. Employers now take care of their employee’s safety, health, and happiness. Pre-employment drug tests have become a staple in many companies to help achieve this goal.

Conducting Pre-Employment Drug Tests

Reputable clinics can help employers and employees with their pre-employment drug testing needs. They have the experience and expertise to ensure that the process is correct and efficient.

Employers should consult with a reputable clinic to determine what type of drug test is best for their business. The most common drug test type is a urine test, but there are also blood, hair follicle, and saliva tests.

The employer must decide on the type of drug test. Then they will need to provide the clinic with a list of the drugs they want to screen. The most common substances to test for are:

  • Amphetamines
  • Cocaine
  • Opiates
  • Phencyclidine (PCP), and
  • THC (marijuana)

Afterward, the clinic will provide the employer with a list of the employees who need to undergo the test. The employees must provide urine, blood, hair, or saliva samples. Those will go to a laboratory for analysis.

The drug test results will be confidential and only shared with the employer. The clinic can also assist in interpreting the results of the drug test.

Pre-Employment Drug Test in King, NC

Are you looking for a pre-employment drug test in King, NC? You can trust Cardinal Urgent Care. Our expert providers are excited to give you the comprehensive and compassionate care you deserve. You may call our friendly staff at (336) 983-9111 to learn about our many services. You may also fill out our convenient appointment request form to book a consultation.

We look forward to serving you!

 

The Importance of COVID Testing

COVID testing plays a significant role in protecting yourself and others and in helping to prevent the virus from spreading. A positive COVID test early on not only allows you to isolate, reducing the chance of infecting others, it also enables you to seek suitable treatment sooner, which can help to reduce the severity of the disease and the risk of long-term complications.

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. It is easily transmitted between people, and although it often causes minor symptoms in most people, the virus can cause serious illness and long-term disability in others.

In April 2020, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics Initiative to develop rapid, accurate, and easy-to-use COVID testing nationwide. Testing allows people to determine if they are infected with COVID-19, regardless of whether they have symptoms. It can help to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others, particularly to those that are most vulnerable of becoming seriously ill from the virus.

Types Of COVID Testing

There are two main types of COVID-19 tests available, viral tests and antibody tests. Viral tests are designed to check for current infection, while antibody tests are used to detect if you have antibodies present in your body, which indicate you had COVID in the past.

Viral Tests

Viral tests work to detect if you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. They include:

  • Rapid tests – such as antigen tests, are easy to use and usually involve taking a nasal swab sample. They provide fast results, typically within 15-30 minutes, and are a useful screening tool. However, they are generally less sensitive than lab tests and may not be as reliable for people without COVID symptoms. Follow-up tests may be required.
  • Lab tests – such as PCR tests, involve taking a saliva or nasal swab sample. The test is reliable for people with and without symptoms, as it is highly sensitive to detecting even very small amounts of the virus. Test results take longer than rapid test results and are usually available within 1-3 days. No follow-up test is usually required.

Antibody Tests

An antibody test, also known as a serology test, is used to detect antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the blood. Antibodies are proteins created by the immune system to help fight infection and protect you from illness in the future. They can develop either from a previous infection of COVID-19 or after getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

Antibody tests are not used to identify current infection but can help to indicate a previous infection and check whether a person has any immunity to the virus. The test involves taking a small sample of blood, which is then tested in a lab. Results of the test are usually available within 24-48 hours.

When COVID Testing Is Necessary

COVID can cause a range of symptoms, and in some people, it can lead to severe, long-lasting damage to the body and organs. COVID testing, along with other risk-reducing measures, such as wearing a face mask, plays a significant role in protecting people and reducing the spread of COVID-19.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that you should have a COVID test if you:

  • Have symptoms of the virus, such as fever, cough, headache, the new loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have had known or suspected close contact to someone with the virus. If the test is negative, you should test again 5-7 days later or immediately if symptoms develop.
  • Are fully vaccinated and have had known or suspected close contact to someone with COVID-19 (test 5-7 days after contact).
  • For screening purposes (school, workplace etc.).
  • Are due to travel.
  • Are asked to do so by a healthcare professional/public health official.

What You Should Do If You Test Positive For COVID-19

If you test positive for COVID, you should isolate for at least 5 days and follow the necessary precautions to prevent spreading infection regardless of whether you are vaccinated or not. Day 0 is the first day of symptoms or the day of the positive test, if asymptomatic.

You can end isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and if other symptoms have improved, aside from loss of smell/taste. You should wear a face mask in public and around other people for 5 additional days and you shouldn’t travel. If symptoms persist after 5 days, you should continue to isolate until day 10 or until symptoms have improved.

If your result is negative, it is likely that you were not infectious at the time the sample was collected, but you should continue to take suitable steps to protect yourself and others and re-test if/when necessary.

Where To Go For COVID Testing

COVID-19 testing is widely available at a number of different settings nationwide, including pharmacies, urgent care centers, health centers, and rapid testing facilities. If you are unsure where your nearest COVID testing facility is, contact your healthcare provider or local health department for more information. The CDC website also has up-to-date information on COVID-19 testing.

Urgent care centers offer fast, convenient, COVID-19 testing and no appointment is necessary. However, you should always check the testing protocol with your provider before attending the center in person to prevent spreading the virus to others.

If you have symptoms or know you have been exposed to the virus, some healthcare providers may recommend a self-test or self-collection kit, which are often available over the counter or by prescription from pharmacies and certain retail stores.

COVID Testing in King, NC

Visit Cardinal Urgent Care for fast, safe, and convenient COVID testing. We provide a range of health care services for patients of all ages, including urgent care, routine physicals, occupational health, and rapid testing via nasal swab to allow you to know your COVID-19 status as soon as possible.

To learn more about COVID-19 testing or about any of our other services, call us today at (336) 983-9111. We offer extended hours and are open 7 days a week to ensure you get the care you need, when you need it. Alternatively, if you’re not in a rush, you can request an appointment online.

Why Go to an Urgent Care for Covid Testing?

Urgent care centers have quickly become the go-to healthcare solution for getting a fast checkup, quick treatment, and overall convenient healthcare for the whole family. During this time of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic, people have also sought out special testing for the virus.

At an urgent care center, you can walk in and get care without an appointment – and at many walk-in clinics like these, you can also be tested for Covid. Let’s talk about some of the main reasons why an urgent care clinic is your best option for getting tested for the novel coronavirus, and where you can go in King, North Carolina, to get heathcare for anyone in your family today.

Why Choose an Urgent Care Clinic to Be Tested for Covid?

There are many reasons to opt for COVID-19 testing at an urgent care center, including the following:

Fast Test Results

If you want to safely visit family, to protect others at home or work, or to fulfill a Covid test requirement that is necessary to participate in an event, you can get fast COVID-19 test results from an urgent care center. Because these walk-in clinics offer significantly shorter wait times overall, you will enjoy fast testing and fast results – which can be produced in as little as 15 minutes after the test is performed.

Minimally Invasive Testing

A rapid Covid test is a simple process in itself: You will give a mucus sample from your nose or throat. Rather than from the deep nasal cavity, a sample can be taken at the mid-nose point, causing less discomfort.

No Appointment Necessary

You can walk right into an urgent care center for relatively fast Covid testing, whether you think you may have contracted the conronavirus or you want the test for another reason. At an urgent care clinic, you’ll be seen by a healthcare provider within minutes after walking in.

This is how an urgent care clinic provides the perfect intermediate solution between an emergency room and the doctor’s office. You can be seen and treated without an appointment at an emergency room, but it has a triage system (which prioritizes more serious cases first) and usually costs quite a bit more; and you almost always need to make an appointment before you can see your doctor, you cannot simply walk in and see the physician.

An urgent care treats nonemergency cases, so there is no triage system – it’s first-come-first-served. Costs are kept low by offering basic yet important healthcare services, such as Covid testing and immunizations.

Convenient Hours

Most urgent care centers offer healthcare services 7 days a week with extended hours. This makes it easier for you to receive Covid diagnostic testing services within your schedule.

Urgent Care Covid Testing in King, NC

If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, think that you might have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, or want to be tested for Covid for another reason, come in and have a rapid Covid test at Cardinal Urgent Care. We will take a simple nasal swab to identify or rule out the presence of COVID-19 in your system.

If you are tested positive, our skilled staff will guide you on caring for yourself, protecting others, and taking medications. Cardinal Urgent Care is open 7 days a week, including many holidays.

To get yourself tested for Covid, simply walk in during our regular business hours, or set up an appointment. If you have any questions, call us today at (336) 983-9111. We look forward to serving you!

 

The Benefits of Going to an Urgent Care Center

If you are feeling unwell or have suffered a relatively minor injury and need medical care, you may be unsure where to go to get the appropriate treatment you need. An urgent care center can provide convenient, cost-effective, and comprehensive medical care, making it a great choice for all of your nonemergency healthcare needs.

Urgent care centers provide relatively quick medical care for illnesses and injuries that are not considered life-threatening or severely debilitating, but that still warrant priority care within 24 hours. Urgent care doctors are experienced professionals who have broad medical knowledge and a comprehensive skill set to treat a comprehensive range of health issues.

Urgent care clinics are not designed to replace your primary care physician, but they do offer an alternative option if your doctor is unavailable or not able to see you in a timely manner. These walk-in clinics have extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Let’s talk about why you would want to go to an urgent care center, and where you can find one right here in King, North Carolina.

Why Should I Go to an Urgent Care Clinic?

Convenient Walk-In Healthcare Service

Urgent care centers are becoming increasingly popular, with more than 9,600 clinics across the country. This means that no matter where you are, you should have access to an urgent care facility – no appointment necessary.

Cost-Effective Care

Emergency room costs vary greatly depending on the type of treatment required, and whether they accept your health insurance coverage – some emergency visits require out-of-pocket payments if the ER doesn’t take your insurance. The average cost of an urgent care visit is estimated at $140-$200, whereas an ER visit can cost from $600 to well over $3,000 for complex health issues or injuries.

Quicker Wait Times

Urgent care centers see patients on a first-come, first-served basis, whereas an emergency room treats patients based on the severity of their condition. An ER has what is called a triage system, which prioritizes life-threatening injuries or illnesses.

This means you may experience long wait times if you only have a minor medical issue, such as a sprained ankle. An urgent care visit typically takes less than 30 minutes from the time you arrive until you depart, whereas a visit to the ER takes an average of 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Convenient Opening Hours

You may not be able to get an appointment quickly with your primary care doctor. An urgent care center offers prompt, quality healthcare with no appointment necessary.

Broad Range of Services

Urgent care centers have experienced and caring medical staff who can diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries and illnesses, including:

  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Minor dislocations
  • Minor fractures (not puncturing the skin)
  • Minor cuts and abrasions
  • Minor animal bites
  • Minor burns
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach flu
  • Common cold
  • Flu (influenza)
  • Asthma
  • Ear infection
  • Eye infection and pink eye
  • Back, neck, or joint pain
  • Joint injuries
  • Allergies and mild allergic reactions (e.g., rash)
  • Sinus and respiratory infections
  • Pneumonia
  • Bronchitis
  • Viral infections
  • Bacterial infections
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Insect bites and stings
  • Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
  • Abscesses and skin infections
  • Dehydration
  • Dizziness
  • Migraines and headaches
  • Nosebleeds
  • Strep throat
  • Tonsillitis

When Should I Go to an ER Instead?

Emergency rooms are fully equipped to handle medical emergencies and life-threatening conditions. If you have an emergency situation, a serious injury, or a condition that requires immediate medical treatment, you should go directly to your nearest ER or dial 911 for emergency medical care.

Urgent Care Center in King, North Carolina

If you are looking for high-quality urgent care in King, the physicians at Cardinal Urgent Care are here for you. We offer a comprehensive range of healthcare services in a friendly and welcoming environment. We also have extended hours to successfully treat all your urgent care needs.

For more information about us or our urgent care services, contact us today at (336) 983-9111. We look forward to serving you!