COVID-19 Test Site & Location in Baldwin Hill, Los Angeles County

What is the Importance of COVID-19 Testing?

COVID-19 testing remains a critical tool in the ongoing effort to reduce transmission and protect public health. Regular testing allows individuals to identify infection early—even when symptoms are mild or absent—reducing the risk of unknowingly spreading the virus to others. The CDC emphasizes that asymptomatic individuals account for nearly 40% of transmissions, making widespread testing vital for breaking chains of infection. Early detection also enables timely access to antiviral treatments, which can reduce hospitalization risks by over 50% in high-risk groups.

Why should you get tested for COVID-19?

You should get tested if:

You’re experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, or loss of taste/smell
You’ve been in close contact with someone who tested positive
You are planning to travel or attend a large gathering
Your workplace or school requires it

Early detection helps you access timely care, isolate when necessary, and protect your community. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recommends testing 3-5 days after exposure, even if asymptomatic, to identify infections before they spread. High-risk individuals, such as immunocompromised patients, should prioritize regular testing to mitigate severe outcomes.

How does testing help control the spread of the virus?

Testing allows health authorities to:

Identify and isolate positive cases
Track local outbreaks
Implement effective contact tracing
Inform public health decisions and policy

This data-driven approach reduces hospitalizations and fatalities, especially in high-density areas like Baldwin Hill. The California Department of Public Health uses testing metrics to allocate medical resources and prioritize community outreach in underserved neighborhoods. Real-time surveillance through testing also helps detect emerging variants, enabling targeted vaccine updates.

What are the different types of COVID-19 tests available?

Ladera Urgent Care offers:

PCR Tests: Highly accurate and typically processed in a lab
Rapid Antigen Tests: Provide results within 15–30 minutes, useful for quick screening
Antibody Tests: Determine past exposure but not current infection

The CDC notes that PCR tests remain the gold standard for accuracy, while rapid antigen tests are ideal for frequent screening. Antibody testing, though not diagnostic, helps public health officials estimate community immunity levels and refine vaccination strategies.

Where is the COVID-19 Test Site Located in Baldwin Hill?

Ladera Urgent Care proudly serves Baldwin Hill and surrounding communities with accessible and efficient testing. The site is CDC-approved and complies with all state and county safety protocols, ensuring reliable results and minimal exposure risk.

What is the exact address of the test site?

Ladera Urgent Care
5311 W Centinela Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90045

Are there any landmarks or nearby facilities to help locate the site?

We’re conveniently located in the heart of Ladera Heights, near popular retail centers and just minutes from the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. Free parking is available on-site. The LA County Testing Locator lists our facility as a high-throughput site with bilingual staff and ADA-compliant access.

What are the operating hours of the Baldwin Hill test site?

Monday–Friday: 8:30 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday–Sunday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm

No matter when you need care, our team is here to help. Extended evening and weekend hours align with CDC recommendations for flexible testing access in urban communities.

How Can You Get Tested at the Baldwin Hill Site?

What are the steps to schedule an appointment?

You can schedule a test by:

Visiting our website at www.laderauc.com
Calling (310) 209-3993
Using our online booking tool for rapid scheduling

The CDC advises scheduling appointments to reduce wait times and minimize contact with others in waiting areas. Same-day slots are often available for urgent needs.

Do you need to bring any specific documentation or identification?

Please bring:

A valid photo ID
Insurance card (if applicable)
Confirmation of your appointment (print or digital)

The LA County Testing Hub requires ID verification to ensure accurate reporting of results to public health databases. Uninsured patients can still receive testing through federal programs.

Is walk-in testing available or is an appointment required?

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended to reduce wait times and streamline the process. High-demand periods, such as holiday travel seasons, may experience longer waits for non-appointment visits.

What Should You Expect During Your Visit?

Upon arrival, you’ll check in and be guided through our streamlined process. Our medical team will:

Conduct a brief symptom screening
Collect your sample (typically via nasal swab)
Provide aftercare and result expectations

What safety protocols are in place at the testing site?

We follow CDC guidelines including:

Mandatory face coverings
Social distancing
Regular sanitization
PPE for all medical staff

The CDC’s infection control standards are strictly enforced, with HEPA air filtration systems and partitioned waiting areas to protect immunocompromised patients.

How long does the testing process typically take?

From check-in to completion, most visits take about 15–30 minutes depending on volume. Rapid antigen tests are processed on-site, while PCR samples are sent to CLIA-certified labs for analysis.

What type of sample will be collected during the test?

We primarily use nasal or nasopharyngeal swabs for PCR and antigen tests. The CDC outlines that anterior nasal swabs are less invasive while maintaining high accuracy for most variants.

How Are Test Results Delivered?

What is the average turnaround time for receiving results?

Rapid Test: Within 30 minutes
PCR Test: Typically 24–72 hours, depending on lab volume

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health prioritizes PCR samples from high-risk settings, such as nursing homes, to ensure timely results.

How will you be notified of your test results?

Results will be delivered via:

Secure patient portal
Phone call from our team
Email (if you opt in)

Positive results are automatically reported to LA County’s contact tracing program to initiate isolation support and exposure notifications.

What should you do if you test positive or negative?

Positive: Isolate immediately, inform close contacts, and follow CDC guidelines for at least 5 days. Antiviral therapies like Paxlovid are available for eligible patients.
Negative: Continue practicing prevention and monitor for symptoms. The CDC recommends retesting if symptoms persist or worsen.

What Resources Are Available for COVID-19 Information?

Where can you find updates on COVID-19 testing in Los Angeles County?

Visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health at publichealth.lacounty.gov for:

Testing site maps
Public health updates
Community-specific resources

Their COVID-19 dashboard tracks positivity rates, variant prevalence, and hospital capacity in real time.

Are there any local health organizations that provide support?

Yes. Local clinics, non-profits, and urgent care centers like Ladera Urgent Care offer:

On-site testing
Multilingual support
Access to treatment and counseling

The CDC’s No-Cost Testing Program partners with community centers to distribute free at-home kits in underserved areas of Baldwin Hill.

What is the role of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health?

They coordinate the county-wide pandemic response by:

Monitoring case trends
Distributing resources
Providing education and testing support

Their School Testing Initiative collaborates with K-12 districts to implement weekly screening for students and staff, reducing classroom outbreaks.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): COVID-19 Testing Overview
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health: COVID-19 Testing Guidelines
California Department of Public Health: Isolation and Testing Guidance
CDC: No-Cost COVID-19 Testing Locator
CDC: Respiratory Virus Guidance and FAQs
LA County Testing Hub: Clinic Protocols and Resources

COVID-19 Test Site & Location in Baldwin Hills