Browse services
your locationFind care near me
Search

COVID testing & Rapid testing near me in Rolling Meadows, IL

COVID Test
Time to Result
Hours
Rating
Patient types
Distance
Add location icon

Own a clinic? Add your location.

Help patients book appointments with you on Solv. It's free!

Add location

20 instant-book locations

1669 W Algonquin Rd, Rolling Meadows, IL 600081669 W Algonquin Rd
Open until 9:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
4.75(6.3k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

NewMed Immediate Care - 1669 W Algonquin Rd
Both of my kids were sick and they were able to accommodate them the same day. The PAs and the nurses were great and knowledgeable. I will be back to this place when needed in the future
PCR Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

371 W Northwest Hwy, Palatine, IL 60067371 W Northwest Hwy
Open until 9:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Wed 9:15 am - 9:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Fri 9:15 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 6:00 pm
4.59(1k reviews)
Was able to do a rapid test for RSV
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
Results in 1-3 days
$245
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min
$170

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

1375 E Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 601941375 E Schaumburg Rd
Open until 9:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 7:00 pm
4.72(212 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

Schaumburg Immediate Care - 1375 E Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg
I have never had to wait long for visits. Everyone is friendly and I feel like the caregivers actually listen!
PCR Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

925 N Roselle Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169925 N Roselle Rd
Open until 9:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
4.61(144 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

Rapid Immediate Care, Hoffman Estates - 925 N Roselle Rd
I have now been to this clinic on 4 different occasions. Each time I have had an excellent experience. Staff are nice, helpful, and competent. I highly recommend Rapid Immediate Care in Hoffman Estates.
PCR Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

1600 Dempster St, Park Ridge, IL 600681600 Dempster St
Open until 3:45 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 4:45 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 4:45 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 4:45 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 4:45 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 4:45 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
  • Mar 28 8:30 am - 3:45 pm
4.96(93 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

CareCentrics, Covid-19 Testing - 1600 Dempster St
Husband and I had Covid test for travel in this facility. Appointment time was 10am, done in 15 minutes and was promised to have the result by 1 pm. Got the result before 12:30pm. 😉
PCR Test
Rapid
Results in same day
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

1600 Dempster St, Park Ridge, IL 600681600 Dempster St
Open until 4:45 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 4:45 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 4:45 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 4:45 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 4:45 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 4:45 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
5.0(9 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

CareCentrics Urgent Care, Telemedicine - 1600 Dempster St
I had a wonderful experience with Tiffany. She was kind and caring and I had no wait!

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

1600 Dempster St, Park Ridge, IL 600681600 Dempster St
Open until 3:45 pm
  • Mon 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 8:30 am - 4:15 pm
  • Fri 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
  • Mar 28 8:30 am - 3:45 pm
4.81(221 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

CareCentrics Urgent Care, Park Ridge - 1600 Dempster St
I always use this facility very friendly staff Very nice location and convenient nice and clean atmosphere I will recommend all my friends to go to this location
PCR Test
Rapid
Results in same day
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

1122 Willow Rd, Northbrook, IL 600621122 Willow 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 - 6:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
4.05(22 reviews)
Midwest Express Clinic, Northbrook- IL - 1122 Willow Rd
I came in with a UTI, and Linda prescribed an antibiotic. She was very knowledgeable and communicated her thoughts abd opinions to me in a way I understood.
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Antigen Test
Results in same day

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

644 S Sutton Rd, Palatine, IL 60107644 S Sutton Rd
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
4.7(328 reviews)
Epic Urgent and Family Care, Streamwood - 644 S Sutton Rd, Palatine
I was disappointed that I couldn’t get an X-ray because there was no technician available.
PCR Test
Results in same day
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

8307 W Lawrence Ave, Harwood Heights, IL 607068307 W Lawrence 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 - 6:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
4.8(646 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

Midwest Express Clinic, Norridge- IL - 8307 W Lawrence Ave
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Antigen Test
Results in same day

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

888 E Main St, East Dundee, IL 60118888 E Main St
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon10:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue10:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed10:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu10:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri10:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 6:00 pm
4.77(542 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

The staff and doctor were very knowledgeable, through, and friendly.
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
Time to results unknown
$125
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min
$75

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

200 N Gary Ave, Carol Stream, IL 60188200 N Gary 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 - 4:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Suburban Medical Group, Carol Stream - 200 N Gary Ave
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
Results in 1-3 days
$150
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min
$75

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

5020 Dempster St, Skokie, IL 600775020 Dempster 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
  • Mar 29Closed
  • Mar 31Closed
4.2(50 reviews)
Local MD Urgent Care, Skokie - Now Open - 5020 Dempster St, Skokie
Wonderful new addition to the neighborhood. Doctor was kind and thorough. And it was all very quick!
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
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min
$89

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

9735 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 600779735 Skokie 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 - 6:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
4.4(53 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

Midwest Express Clinic, Skokie- IL - 9735 Skokie Blvd, Skokie
The receptionist and PA that was there today (2/20/2019)were great and amazing! My only complaint was that the nurse on staff today was not so warm and welcoming let alone have 1 smile on her face . Other than her I was very happy with our visit today .
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Antigen Test
Results in same day

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

3520 W North Ave, Stone Park, IL 601653520 W North 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
5.0(6 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

Precision Immediate Care & Medical Center, Telemed - 3520 W North Ave
The best place quick and easy! Thank you again!
Call now

3520 W North Ave, Stone Park, IL 601653520 W North Ave
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
4.44(48 reviews)
Precision Immediate Care & Medical Center, Stone Park - 3520 W North Ave
I came here and was greeted immediately by the fine staff at front desk. Within minutes I had a room and my vitals were taken. The medical assistant Karina was very kind and gentle when drawing my blood. She also helped me schedule a follow up and was patient with me as I took my time to think. Overall this clinic was very clean and I would highly recommend that anyone come here for a quick and pleasant visit.
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Antigen Test
Results in 1-3 days

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

855 E Geneva Rd, Carol Stream, IL 60188855 E Geneva 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 - 6:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Midwest Express Clinic, Carol Stream- IL - 855 E Geneva Rd
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Antigen Test
Results in same day

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

2601 W North Ave, Melrose Park, IL 601602601 W North 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 - 6:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
4.57(42 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

Midwest Express Clinic, Melrose Park- IL - 2601 W North Ave
The provider and staff are friendly. Exam room was clean. The wait time was very short. Everyone was super friendly super nice very very helpful. Definitely would recommend.
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Antigen Test
Results in same day

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

207 E Butterfield Rd, Elmhurst, IL 60126207 E Butterfield 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 - 6:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
5.0(10 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

Midwest Express Clinic, Elmhurst on Butterfield- IL - 207 E Butterfield Rd
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Antigen Test
Results in same day

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

601 E Roosevelt Rd, Lombard, IL 60148601 E Roosevelt 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 - 6:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
5.0(2 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

Midwest Express Clinic, Lombard- IL - 601 E Roosevelt Rd
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Antigen Test
Results in same day

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now
Add location icon

Own a clinic? Add your location.

Help patients book appointments with you on Solv. It's free!

Add location

COVID-19 Testing FAQs

  • How much does COVID testing cost in Rolling Meadows?

    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 Rolling Meadows?

    COVID testing is available for free under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which includes testing for those without health insurance. Check with your Rolling Meadows-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 Rolling Meadows?

    COVID testing is available at many outlets near Rolling Meadows 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 Rolling Meadows?

    Rapid testing—both PCR (molecular) and antigen tests—is offered through many Rolling Meadows-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 Rolling Meadows?

    Same-day and next day appointments for COVID testing in Rolling Meadows 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 Rolling Meadows?

    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 Rolling Meadows?

    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)

The staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and personable when we came for a rapid covid test. They have a great procedure that keeps everything separate from the rest of the facility so as to not risk other non-covid patients.

- Verified patient on 4/7

Getting a covid test was already stressful for myself and family but the ease of making the appointments and kind staff made it a more positive experience. The test itself was not painful and administered with care and good explanation.

- Verified patient on 2/3

Very friendly place! Nice to be able to book an appointment online. Brought my grandson for a Covid test and only had a short wait. The technician was efficient and answered all our questions. She was dressed in protective gear the same as nurses taking care of Covid patients. We had our masks and gloves on, and felt very safe. A couple minutes and he was done! I would recommend NewMed for anyone needing a Covid test quickly and efficiently.

- Verified patient on 1/21

Drive through covid testing was very efficient. Only thing is that it should have been communicated to call the facility on arrival. This was not clear and no signage or instruction on what to do upon arrival.

- Verified patient on 7/26

I have a badly broken septum so it makes covid testing difficult. The covid test taker was very very gentle and understanding. The care she gave was greatly appreciated.

- Verified patient on 11/11

My only displeasure of the appointment was coming in the back door, which was well understood for safety purposes, However, the area in the back is very unwelcoming, dark and dirty. The physician was terrific and made a special trip to the back to say hello, advise on the most appropriate form of Covid testing and answer any questions.

- Verified patient on 3/19

We went for a Covid test for an international flight. It is a tight time frame To get test back. The lady in the office heard and gave us advice to call and get the lab back. Much appreciated!

- Verified patient on 5/30

Such an easy and quick visit for Covid testing. Their website says you’ll get results in 48-72 hours, I got mine in 24 hours! So happy with the speediness 👍🏼

- Verified patient on 7/24

The young girl that does the COVID tests is the friendliest person and most welcoming! Great asset to the clinic! Also the nurse that calls you is just the same. When you’re sick the last thing you want is to deal with a Debbie downer and I’m glad I didn’t have to!

- Verified patient on 10/17

This our second time here and they were very helpful. I had forgotten my cell phone, dumb me, but they handled everything just fine for my husband's covid test.

- Verified patient on 9/20

My go to clinic for covid testing! I never have trouble getting an appointment here at a time that works for me. Always receive my results within the promised time frame. Staff are excellent at making sure testing is safe & that the clinic is sanitary for all their clients. Because of this clinic, I have the confidence of knowing I can protect not only myself, but more importantly those around me.

- Verified patient on 3/13

Have gone twice now for a rapid COVID test. Both times I was in and out within 20min with results in hand. They have a smooth operation going on there!

- Verified patient on 12/15

I have had to come several times for Covid testing, along with my daughter, and every time it has been a very easy snd positive experience

- Verified patient on 5/14

Great to be able to make an appointment and get in on time! Very efficient and professional nurse in giving the Covid Tests. Also, immediate results for the rapid test! I would recommend New Med Immediate Care to everyone who needs a Covid Test or a Doctor for treatment of a whole range of medical care!!

- Verified patient on 9/24

I came in for a covid test. This was the first time at this facility. Everything went very well. I was in and out in no time. Staff was professional and explained things well. Reception/waiting area is small and unattractive and doesn't allow for distancing. Good that they had me wait in my car until they were ready for me. Hope test results come back within the 18 to 24 hours that was promised.

- Verified patient on 10/8

I took my daughter here for a COVID test so she can get on a flight to France. They couldn't have been nicer!

- Verified patient on 9/17

The guy that did my son and daughters Covid test was so sweet! Even my 8 year old said he’s happy he did his Covid test lol!

- Verified patient on 9/8

I needed a COVID test for a doctor appointment. When I called I was told to make a appointment on line which I did. When I visited the facility I was checked in and told to wait outside to be called in. I was called in about 5 minutes later, just as I was told at check in. The actual procedure only took a couple of minutes. The next day I was e-mailed the result. All in all a very pleasant experience.

- Verified patient on 9/20

I needed a COVID test and was referred by a coworker. Easy appointment setup online, test procedure was quick and staff was polite and friendly! Thank you!

- Verified patient on 1/4

I went here for a Covid test. They performed it quickly and professionally. Throughout the whole process they were very friendly and kept me updated via text. I would highly recommend

- Verified patient on 12/3

Rolling Meadows 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.

Related searches

This site uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. By using Solv, you accept our use of cookies.