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COVID testing & Rapid testing near me in Stamford, CT

COVID Test
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20 instant-book locations

346 Main Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851346 Main Ave
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
4.73(611 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

PhysicianOne Urgent Care, Norwalk - 346 Main Ave, Norwalk
My new fav place for care!! Competent and friendly staff who saw me quickly. Very clean facility.
PCR Test
Rapid
Results in same day
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in same day

AVAILABLE TIMES

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75 S Broadway, White Plains, NY 1060175 S Broadway
Open until 1:45 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 1:45 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 1:45 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 1:45 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 1:45 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 1:45 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
The Kingsley Clinic, New York Telemedicine - 75 S Broadway

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1030 W Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck, NY 105431030 W Boston Post Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
4.47(139 reviews)
PhysicianOne Urgent Care, Mamaroneck - 1030 W Boston Post Rd
My first time at the Physicians One located in Mamaroneck. Online appointment booking was easy. Receptionist was friendly. Ray gave an excellent throat culture! MaryAm, the PA, was knowledgeable and a good listener. I would return to this urgent care.
PCR Test
Rapid
Results in same day
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in same day

AVAILABLE TIMES

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71 Forest Ave, Glen Cove, NY 1154271 Forest Ave
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
4.64(28 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

Northwell Health- GoHealth Urgent Care, Glen Cove - 71 Forest Ave
Everyone was so knowledgeable efficient helpful and caring. I had a great experience.
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

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294 Tarrytown Rd, White Plains, NY 10607294 Tarrytown Rd
Open until 1:00 pm
  • Mon 9:30 am - 6:15 pm
  • Tue 9:30 am - 6:15 pm
  • Wed 9:30 am - 6:15 pm
  • Thu 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • Fri 9:30 am - 6:15 pm
  • Sat 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
  • Sun 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
4.76(807 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

White Plains Urgent Care - 294 Tarrytown Rd, White Plains
this was my first time at WPUC. the staff was friendly, helpful. Dr. Goyal was very professional and caring. I would return to WLUC I did have an appointment 5 minute wait time. On line
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Self-pay pricing

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Clear self-pay prices

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PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
$100
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min
$110

AVAILABLE TIMES

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645 Marble Ave, Thornwood, NY 10594645 Marble Ave
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • SunClosed
4.54(1.2k reviews)
Pulse-MD Urgent Care, Thornwood - 645 Marble Ave
I called the facility to make sure they took my insurance and could see me right away. After check in, I was seeing immediately and cared for thoroughly by very kind providers. I will be recommending!
Bill Icon

Self-pay pricing

Solv ClearPrice™
Clear self-pay prices

No more surprise bills. Solv is committed to making getting healthcare as easy as buying groceries at the store, including knowing the price of care upfront.

PCR Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour
$250
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour
$100

AVAILABLE TIMES

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241 E Main St, Huntington, NY 11743241 E Main St
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
3.89(18 reviews)
Northwell Health- GoHealth Urgent Care, Huntington - 241 E Main St, Huntington
Thank you!! It was wonderful!!
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

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105 Quaker Ridge Rd, New Rochelle, NY 10804105 Quaker Ridge Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
4.57(14 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

Northwell Health- GoHealth Urgent Care, New Rochelle - 105 Quaker Ridge Rd, New Rochelle
Nurse Practitioner and her assistant were courteous and paid attention to my symptoms. I have been at the New Rochelle urgent care before and satisfied enough for a return visit.
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

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650 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591650 White Plains Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
3.73(22 reviews)
Northwell Health- GoHealth Urgent Care, Tarrytown - 650 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown
This urgent care 8s TOPNOTCH The staff is compassionate, friendly and helpful. Professionalism at its best. Highly recommend this facility.
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

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103 Jackson Ave, Syosset, NY 11791103 Jackson Ave
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
4.67(18 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

Northwell Health- GoHealth Urgent Care, Syosset - 103 Jackson Ave, Syosset
It is a tremendous benefit to Urgent Care available whenever we have immediate health concerns. They are always pleasant, efficient, quite competent, and able to diagnose and address our problems with minimal inconvenience and so much more accessible than trying to arrange a doctors appointment.
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

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10 South St, Ridgefield, CT 0687710 South St
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
4.57(494 reviews)
PhysicianOne Urgent Care, Ridgefield - 10 South St, Ridgefield
Christine and the medical assistant were both absolutely amazing. So so helpful and reassuring, and answered all my questions perfectly. Left feeling immediately 100x better. Thank You!!!
PCR Test
Rapid
Results in same day
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in same day

AVAILABLE TIMES

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19 W Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station, NY 1174619 W Jericho Turnpike
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
4.64(11 reviews)
Northwell Health- GoHealth Urgent Care, Huntington Station - 19 W Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station
Incredibly quick and great service
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

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30 Hamilton St, Dobbs Ferry, NY 1052230 Hamilton St
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
4.42(19 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

Northwell Health- GoHealth Urgent Care, Dobbs Ferry - 30 Hamilton St, Dobbs Ferry
Had a hard time making an appointment… most likely a result of high volume illness and New Years Eve/Day. Check in  easy Staff friendly, helpful
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

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67 Shore Rd, Port Washington, NY 1105067 Shore Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
4.28(18 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their clean offices

Sparkling Clean

Northwell Health- GoHealth Urgent Care, Port Washington - 67 Shore Rd, Port Washington
I needed a paper that said I had covid for work and I got it in less than 10 minutes. The doctors were great.
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

30 Glen Cove Rd, Greenvale, NY 1154830 Glen Cove Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
4.5(14 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

Northwell Health- GoHealth Urgent Care, Greenvale - 30 Glen Cove Rd
Everyone was very pleasant and friendly. Wait time was short , Dr Tang was very nice and we got good care. Efficient facility.
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

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1862 Pleasantville Rd, Briarcliff Manor, NY 105101862 Pleasantville Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
4.37(738 reviews)
Pulse-Md Urgent Care, Briarcliff - 1862 Pleasantville Rd
Donald and the team were lovely, efficient, and thorough. Thank you.
PCR Test
Rapid
Results in same day
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in same day

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

1912 Jericho Turnpike, East Northport, NY 117311912 Jericho Turnpike
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
3.47(15 reviews)
Northwell Health- GoHealth Urgent Care, Elwood - 1912 Jericho Turnpike, East Northport
The entire staff was friendly, especially the receptionist. She made my experience move smoothly by explaining the process/next steps before I was taken to the exam room. She is an excellent team player!
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

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377 S Oyster Bay Rd, Plainview, NY 11803377 S Oyster Bay Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
4.38(26 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

Northwell Health- GoHealth Urgent Care, Plainview - 377 S Oyster Bay Rd, Plainview
Very quick and efficient care. Receptionist was extremely friendly and helpful.
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

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4199 Jericho Turnpike, East Northport, NY 117314199 Jericho Turnpike
Open until10:00 pm
  • Mon10:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Tue10:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Wed10:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Thu10:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Fri10:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 10:00 pm
4.0(9 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

Northwell Health- GoHealth Urgent Care, East Northport (Pediatrics) - 4199 Jericho Turnpike, East Northport
The tech or nurse that took the throat culture took the sample in a very rushed and quick manner and I question whether the result is accurate. The last time I took my other child there I had the same person and the result was negative but when I went to another Dr it was positive less than 24 hours later. I know results can change but I wish that person would be more thorough and take their time.
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

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1033 Northern Blvd, Roslyn, NY 115761033 Northern Blvd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
3.73(11 reviews)
Northwell Health- GoHealth Urgent Care, Roslyn - 1033 Northern Blvd, Roslyn
PA was attentive and explained what he was going to do and what to expect. He had a good bedside manner
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now
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COVID-19 Testing FAQs

  • How much does COVID testing cost in Stamford?

    In many cases, COVID testing can be free. Many state and local health departments continue to offer free testing to community residents as part of their response to the pandemic. In other cases, commercially insured patients, or those on Medicare or Medicaid, may receive testing at no out of pocket cost, or with a nominal office visit copay. For cash paying patients, or those that need rapid COVID testing which will deliver results in under an hour, COVID tests can range from $50 to $150 each. It is best to call your healthcare provider prior to getting tested to better understand the cost of the specific test you require.

  • Where can I get free COVID testing in Stamford?

    COVID testing is available for free under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which includes testing for those without health insurance. Check with your Stamford-area health department as they are generally a good source for free COVID tests, or can at least point you in the right direction. Additionally, you can ask your primary care provider to recommend a free COVID test site.

  • Where can I get COVID testing in Stamford?

    COVID testing is available at many outlets near Stamford including urgent care centers, retail clinics, primary care offices, health departments, and more. Different venues will have different types of tests available, many at different price points. Some testing sites are allowing walk-in patients, however, many are still requiring some degree of advance booking to control patient volume.

  • Where can I get a rapid COVID test in Stamford?

    Rapid testing—both PCR (molecular) and antigen tests—is offered through many Stamford-area urgent care centers and physician offices, usually at an additional cost ranging from $50 up to $150 per test. Usually this will allow you to get results back in under an hour, and require advanced booking through the provider. However, if you can wait 24 hours for your results, many labs are turning around send-out lab tests in that time frame, which could save you some money.

  • How to make an appointment for COVID testing in Stamford?

    Same-day and next day appointments for COVID testing in Stamford are bookable directly through Solv. Simply browse the list of healthcare providers conducting COVID tests above, find one with a “Book Online” button, and book a time that aligns with your schedule stating “COVID-19 Test” as your reason for visit.

  • Can I get tested for antibodies if I am sick with COVID-19 Stamford?

    An antibody test for COVID-19 might inform you if you previously had a coronavirus infection. Because it can take between 1–3 weeks after an infection for your body to develop these antibodies, an antibody test during an active infection would not be successful. To see if you are currently infected, you need a viral test.

  • Do I need a COVID test if I have been vaccinated?

    Even if you have been fully vaccinated, if you have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, experts believe that you should be tested yourself, particularly if you are experiencing cold and flu symptoms commonly aligned with the coronavirus.

  • How long does COVID testing take?

    Getting a COVID test is quick. Most tests are done with a nasal swab, which takes less than a minute to swab both nostrils. Depending on where you get your COVID test, this means you could be in and out of the testing site in as little as 10-15 minutes. During busy times—particularly around holidays—testing sites may be busier than usual and wait times may be longer.

  • How long does it take to get COVID test results in Stamford?

    Most labs are returning send-out molecular (PCR) COVID test results within 24-48 hours of the test. Some sites take longer, so call and ask if the reason for the test is proof for travel. Rapid COVID tests are processed on-site and are able to deliver results in under an hour, sometimes in as little as 15 min.

  • Do COVID tests detect the Delta variant and Omicron variant?

    Regular COVID tests are able to detect both the Delta variant and Omicron variant in that they can determine whether or not you have the coronavirus. However, they can't tell which variation is involved. That would necessitate genomic sequencing, which is a different process from regular virus testing that not all labs can undertake. Sequencing is uncommon and can cost up to $100 per test. Since the treatment is the same for any variant, it is not clinically useful to an individual patient to know whether the infection was caused by a variant or not.

Recent COVID-19 Testing Reviews (20)

Went for rapid Covid test. Got a phone call that said things were negative but I can’t get any documentation on that. Follow the link but there was nothing for the

- Verified patient on 4/22

COVID test, and on a weekend, so wait times were really as expected. Staff was very cordial, exceptional would be a better word.

- Verified patient on 8/30

Overall it was great for what I needed, a Covid test with same day results. I was confused that the website allowed me to make an appointment but it was actually only done by walk-ins. But maybe I missed it in the website. Again, I would recommend to others.

- Verified patient on 9/2

In for a COVID test. Very, very busy but women in the facility remained patient & helpful to all.

- Verified patient on 9/22

Had to come for a rapid COVID test since I was informed that I was in close contact with someone that tested positive. Staff was very friendly and discussed what tests I should get.

- Verified patient on 11/10

I had a walk in COVID test, and aside from a slightly longer than anticipated wait time, overall the experience was good. Once I was admitted, the staff was courteous and professional.

- Verified patient on 7/23

I had to come to AFC Urgent Care for COVID testing, staff was really nice and caring, also very professional, I will recommend anyone to go there.

- Verified patient on 1/3

I am very happy that we were able to get Covid tests for our family and results within 2.5 hours start to finish of walking in! Bring a book, you’ll spend most of the time waiting in your car, but if you need tests and results quickly, this is the way to go.

- Verified patient on 9/16

Was very nervous about getting the covid tests but the nurse that gave me both covid tests was extremely kind. Would highly recommend this facility to friends and family.

- Verified patient on 11/12

It was great. Very organized at a stressful Covid test time. The only thing that could have gone better is that the appointment time given wasn't close to when they finally called me in. But they were wonderful so I assume they were taking time with each patient to answer their many questions.

- Verified patient on 12/29

I’ve gone to a few places for COVID testing. This place has, by far, been the most organized and expeditious. Knowledgeable, attentive, and caring staff.

- Verified patient on 9/12

Needed a Covid test but I have to go back tomorrow. To soon for a second test. The nurse that I talk with was very knowledgeable.

- Verified patient on 10/19

I came in for a Covid test and logged into a system and was able to go hone for a few hours and just check to see where I was in the queue. When I was 10 away I parked close by and when I was 6 away I got a text to come in. Then from the time I gave my info, got swabbed and spoke to the doctor - maybe 4 minutes has gone by. Very efficient system!

- Verified patient on 7/27

I went to DOCS Stamford for a COVID test. This health center has an excellent system for testing. Many thanks to the medical staff for creating a safe and welcoming environment. I would definitely return to this urgent care in the future. Thank you!!!

- Verified patient on 8/5

Good experience for an unpleasant task (Covid test). All the staff was friendly and accommodating. Only downside was wait time but in many ways to be expected.

- Verified patient on 9/24

As long as you can get an appointment for COVID testing, the testing process is easy and you are well attended to for the brief time that you are there.

- Verified patient on 11/14

The staff was very friendly. We didn’t have to wait at all. Grateful to be able to come here for a quick covid test.

- Verified patient on 9/9

Went 6 times in past 24 hours To try to get appointment for COVID test. Chaotic procedure, changing format to get an appointment. Did not feel comfortable with Social distancing inside and outside facility. More line control needed. Need large sign to direct people Who need Covid Testing to go to website which was better than in person registration Procedure Once finally had appointment it was fine PA very nice. Have been there several times previously for other reasons. Need one Additional Desk person to answer Questions manage checkinS. Maybe separate patients there for other reasons And not symptomatic from Covid symptom test patients . Appreciate that you are doing rapid testing.

- Verified patient on 11/3

Valerie was pleasant and efficient when administering our rapid COVID test. I’m very surprised at seeing dozens of magazines in the waiting room. In the age of COVID none of us should be touching something that perhaps hundreds of others touched.

- Verified patient on 2/20

I made an appointment online and was seen and had a Covid test within only a few minutes of my scheduled appointment staff was friendly and Moved like a well oiled machine

- Verified patient on 11/11

Stamford COVID Testing & Rapid Testing

Types of COVID Tests

There are two types of coronavirus tests (COVID-19 tests) available, those that can test for a current infection (viral test) and those that can test for a past infection (antibody test).

Viral COVID testing can be done in a few different ways, the most common being nose swabs, but saliva tests are becoming more popular. Some tests are processed out on-site and can provide results in as little as 30 minutes. These are called rapid COVID tests. The majority of tests, on the other hand, are collected at the clinic on-site and then submitted to off-site labs for processing. Results can take up to 2-3 days to arrive. 

Antibody testing looks for a past infection and may not reveal if you have an active COVID-19 infection because antibodies can take up to three weeks to form in your body. The presence of COVID antibodies may help to prevent you from becoming infected with the same virus again; but, because the clinical understanding of COVID-19 is still developing, it's unclear how long that protection will continue.

Who should get tested for current infection

The CDC currently defines four instances where COVID testing is recommended:

  1. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
  2. If you have been in close contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19. Close contact is defined as within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. If you have been vaccinated, or tested positive in the past 3 months and not experiencing symptoms, you do not need to be tested.
  3. If you are unvaccinated and participated in high-risk activities where distancing is not an option. This could include travel, large social or mass gatherings, crowded indoor settings, etc.
  4. If you have been referred to get a COVID test by your healthcare provider or local health department. 

How is testing done for COVID-19?

Most COVID tests are collected by a nasal swab. A member of the medical team puts a swab inside your nose for a few seconds on each side to collect the sample. After that, the samples are packaged according to CDC guidelines and tested on-site or transported to a facility for testing. The lab will test samples for the presence of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID infection and either your care provider or the lab will notify you with the results as soon as they are available.

PCR vs Antigen Testing

Viral COVID tests are available as molecular and antigen tests. The molecular test, also known as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, usually delivers results within a few days since most of these tests are sent to offsite labs for analysis. The average turnaround time for PCR test results is 48 hours, but in some instances may be significantly longer due to backlogs related to insufficient lab volume and capacity. Antigen tests are also known as rapid tests and have an average turnaround time of between 15 to 30 minutes.

Both PCR and rapid COVID tests can be used to test people exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, those who were close contacts to COVID-19, and those without COVID-19 symptoms who live or work in a high-risk setting (such as a nursing facility); or those individuals who are identified as part of outbreak detection and response. The rapid COVID test is also recommended for the screening of residents or healthcare workers at skilled nursing facilities along with a PCR confirmation, and for repeat screening for the early detection and prevention of outbreaks in congregate settings (such as schools, workplaces, and prisons).

COVID testing is available for free under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which includes testing for those without health insurance. To reduce the risk of facing extra costs related to COVID testing, ask your primary care doctor to recommend a free COVID test site, and confirm there are no charges or fees for the test that are not covered by your insurance plan. Additionally, avoid getting a COVID test at a hospital or free-standing emergency room, as these facilities may charge fees for COVID testing and related services.

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