Central Drugs Offering Key Health Tests

CENTRAL — Now almost fully recovered from quadruple by-pass surgery March 14, Claud Derbes of Central Drug Store has been back at work since shortly after the surgery.

Now Central Drug Store is embarking on a new program that will offer customers in-pharmacy testing for cholesterol levels and in-pharmacy A1C testing.

“We’re very pleased to be the only drug store in the Baton Rouge area offering this service,” Derbes said.  His staff has been especially trained to administer the tests.

The drug store also offers flu shots and shingles vaccinations.

The store will soon offer customers the ability to refill prescriptions on-line and on their smart phones.  But Derbes says he doesn’t plan to get carried away with technology.  “People want the personal touch.  I can’t stand it when you call a business and have to talk to a computer!” he said.

Even though faced with chain store competition, Derbes said business at his pharmacy is the best it has ever been.

Central Drug Store has been named “Business of the Year” for the past two years in the Central Business Awards competition.  Derbes was honored at a banquet in February sponsored by the Central City News.

Claud and his late brother, Pete Derbes, purchased the drug store in 1998.  It is known in the community for excellent service, short waits, reasonable prices, and hometown hospitality.

Asked for the secret of Central Drug Store’s success, Derbes said, “It’s really all about the Central community.  They enjoy hometown service.  We have a very good staff, and we feel they do a good job.  We’re always going to have enough people on hand to take care of our customers.  Service is the key.  We’re also able to keep our prices low because we are a member of  a coop that has its own wholesale pharmacy.  People tell us they like it because we get them in and out quickly, and that’s what we try to do,” he said.

Claud’s brother Pete passed away in 2004 and Claud misses him a great deal.  Claud and his wife have three children.  Pete and his wife had one daughter.

In-Pharmacy Lipid Profile Test

CENTRAL — Central Drug Store is now offering an In-Pharmacy Lipid Profile Test.  This easy blood test will check your Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, non-HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, and calculate your TC/HDL Ratio.

This is a fasting blood test.  So you must not eat for 12 hours prior to testing.

The cost of the test is $20.  They are not able to bill any type of insurance at this time!

Cholesterol Testing will be done Monday through Friday, starting at 9 a.m.  Appointments are not required, but are preferred.  For information or to set up a time for the test, call 262-6200.

In-Pharmacy A1C Test for

Diabetics, Non-Diabetics

Central Drug Store is now offering an In-Pharmacy A1C Test.  This easy test will check your blood glucose control level over the past two to three months.  You do not have to be a diabetic to utilize this test!

The cost of the test is $18.  They are not able to bill any type of insurance at this time!

A1C Testing will be done Monday through Friday, starting at 9 a.m.  Appointments are not required, but are preferred.  For information or to set up a time for the test, call 262-6200.