RALEIGH -- A direct access clinic in the Triangle is making it possible for people to stay connected with their health. And people without insurance particularly can get thousands of different blood tests without the long wait time or hospital environment.
"So people who are interested in health, want to take control of their health can walk in. We've been here in Durham for seven years in October, and we've been in Raleigh for a year now,” said Glory Gallucci, owner of Any Lab Test Now.
Just this week the Department of Health and Human Services announced North Carolina’s first fatal case of the West Nile virus this year.
Family confirmed 76-year-old Roscoe Hogan of Durham died at Duke Regional Hospital on Aug. 27, after falling ill from West Nile.
Gallucci says that her business has received increased questions about West Nile testing since Tuesday's announcement.
"'I've been bit by a mosquito, I heard about the person that passed away, could I have it?' And most people who will get it and they won't have any symptoms or they won't end up getting the virus,” said Gallucci.
It’s a quick test, taking less than five minutes, as one tube of blood is taken from the patient, processed and sent off to another lab.
"Now that mosquitoes are big, it's probably good to get this test,” said retired nurse Barbara Eyster.
Eyster was seeking a blood profile Thursday afternoon at Any Lab Test Now. She praises the lab for their relaxed environment, quick results and confidentiality.
She says the threat of West Nile virus doesn't scare her, but it raises a greater awareness of one’s overall well-being.
"So being aware of like just having protection with mosquitoes, like wearing something when you go outside. I don't think about it, but you do need to do that,” said Eyster.
Gallucci says the lab doesn’t accept insurance, but basic testing starts at $49.
The West Nile virus test runs around $119.