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COVID Testing & Rapid Testing
in Maine

COVID Test
Time to Result
Hours
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Patient types
Distance
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50 instant-book locations

1474 Main St, Sanford, ME 040731474 Main St
Open until 6:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
4.88(2.1k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

York Hospital, Sanford Walk-In Care - 1474 Main St
Said theyvhad called in a script to Hannafords Drove up. Nothing here
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

62 Portland Rd, Kennebunk, ME 0404362 Portland Rd
Open until10:00 pm
  • Mon 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Tue 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Wed 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Thu 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Fri 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Sat 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Sun 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
HelixVM, Maine Virtual - 62 Portland Rd
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Time to results unknown
Call now

191 Marginal Way, Portland, ME 04101191 Marginal Way
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
3.42(19 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

Labcorp, Portland - 191 Marginal Way, Portland
The staff is so friendly and empathetic. Nurse Practitioners, and Nurses are thorough and very practical. I'm very impressed, and while we have insurance, when my family needs a quick option, I am very grateful for this clinic.
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min
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127 Marginal Way, Portland, ME 04101127 Marginal Way
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • SunUnknown
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144 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101144 Fore St
Open until 4:30 pm
  • Mon 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tue 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wed 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thu 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Fri 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Visit Clinic

510 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101510 Congress St
Open until 5:00 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 - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • SunUnknown
CVS Pharmacy - 510 Congress St
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84 Marginal Way, Portland, ME 0410184 Marginal Way
2.0(11 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

I had occasion to see Dr. Amy Parker twice in the last couple of weeks, and have nothing but good things to say. She was thorough, sent me for the correct tests to make a diagnosis, referred me to an excellent specialist and made follow up calls to see how I was doing. The whole staff was professional and attentive.
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449 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04101449 Forest Ave
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 7:00 am
  • Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 5:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy - 449 Forest Ave
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22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME 0410222 Bramhall St
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616 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04101616 Forest Ave
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 6:00 pm
COVID Test
Results in < 1 hour
Visit Clinic

175 Fore River Pkwy, Portland, ME 04102175 Fore River Pkwy
Open until 6:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Visit Clinic

51 Market St, South Portland, ME 0410651 Market St
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Market St, S Portland - 51 Market St, South Portland
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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
$139
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in same day
$139

AVAILABLE TIMES

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51 Market St, South Portland, ME 0410651 Market St
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 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 5:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy, Health Hub - 51 Market St
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50 Sewall St, Portland, ME 0410250 Sewall St
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230 Waterman Dr, South Portland, ME 04106230 Waterman Dr
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 - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
4.53(14 reviews)
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335 Brighton Ave, Portland, ME 04102335 Brighton Ave
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
1.75(12 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Visit Clinic

1364 Congress St, Portland, ME 041021364 Congress St
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 5:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy - 1364 Congress St
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279 Main St, South Portland, ME 04106279 Main St
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sat 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • SunClosed
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
$129
Visit Clinic

111 Auburn St, Portland, ME 04103111 Auburn St
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 6:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy, Health Hub - 111 Auburn St
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111 Auburn St, Portland, ME 04103111 Auburn St
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Auburn St, Portland - 111 Auburn St, Portland
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
$139
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in same day
$139

AVAILABLE TIMES

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567 Main St, South Portland, ME 04106567 Main St
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85 Western Ave, South Portland, ME 0410685 Western Ave
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
Concentra Urgent Care, South Portland - 85 Western Ave, South Portland
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222 Auburn St, Portland, ME 04103222 Auburn St
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100 Foden Rd, South Portland, ME 04106100 Foden Rd
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • SatUnknown
  • SunUnknown
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100 Foden Rd, South Portland, ME 04106100 Foden Rd
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206 US-1, Falmouth, ME 04105206 US-1
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 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Visit Clinic

33 Depot Rd, Falmouth, ME 0410533 Depot Rd
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sat 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
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
$129
Visit Clinic

400 Southborough Dr, South Portland, ME 04106400 Southborough Dr
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
1.0(1 reviews)
Concentra Urgent Care, Scarborough - 400 Southborough Dr, South Portland
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200 Running Hill Rd, South Portland, ME 04106200 Running Hill Rd
Open until 7:00 pm
  • MonClosed
  • Tue 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Visit Clinic

335 Ocean House Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107335 Ocean House Rd
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 7:00 am
  • Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 5:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy - 335 Ocean House Rd
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69 US-1, Scarborough, ME 0407469 US-1
Open until 4:30 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • SatUnknown
  • SunUnknown
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465 Main St, Westbrook, ME 04092465 Main St
COVID Test
Results in < 1 hour
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1 Harnois Ave, Westbrook, ME 040921 Harnois Ave
Open until 4:30 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
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570 Main St, Westbrook, ME 04092570 Main St
View hours of operation
  • MonClosed
  • TueClosed
  • WedClosed
  • ThuClosed
  • FriClosed
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

Westbrook Public Safety - 570 Main St
The scheduling was quick, the testing was easy. I was very happy to finally get tested for my own piece of mind.
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
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500 Gallery Blvd, Scarborough, ME 04074500 Gallery 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 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Visit Clinic

2 Gannett Dr, South Portland, ME 041062 Gannett Dr
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
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Visit Clinic

102 Campus Dr, Scarborough, ME 04074102 Campus Dr
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40 Park Rd, Westbrook, ME 0409240 Park Rd
Open until 6:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
3.0(2 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

Saw Dr Etman this morning for a severely strained shoulder muscle. Had an excellent experience, which was inclusive of the administration. nursing and X-ray staff ! ( I wish I remembered all their names ) Dr Etmann was the perfect mix of genteman and clinician. He listened, asked many questions and gave his evaluation of my condition with a respectful and compassionate bedside manner Thank you for your help today!
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870 Main St, Westbrook, ME 04092870 Main St
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 8:00 am
  • Fri 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 5:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy - 870 Main St
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Visit Clinic

950 Main St, Westbrook, ME 04092950 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 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
2.79(7 reviews)
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min
Visit Clinic

233 US-1, Scarborough, ME 04074233 US-1
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 6:00 pm
COVID Test
Results in < 1 hour
Visit Clinic

273 Payne Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074273 Payne 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 - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
3.9(15 reviews)
I thought they were excellent. Staff was friendly and helpful and the physician was thorough and competent. I would recommend.
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
$139
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour
$214
Visit Clinic

273 Payne Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074273 Payne 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 - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
5.0(4 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

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19 S Gorham Xing, Gorham, ME 0403819 S Gorham Xing
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600 US-1, Scarborough, ME 04074600 US-1
COVID Test
Results in < 1 hour
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120 Main St, Gorham, ME 04038120 Main St
COVID Test
Results in < 1 hour
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385 US-1, Yarmouth, ME 04096385 US-1
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
5.0(2 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

We are from suburban Philadelphia and were visiting our son and his family when my husband’s “cold” became markedly worse. The nurse Megan and the Nurse Practitioner Donna were wonderful to us. They quickly assessed my husband’s conditon, had a chest xray done, and prescribed the appropriate medicine and care for what turned out to be pneumonia. The entire visit to this facility was favorable, from the ease of check-in to the friendliness of the xray tech. Although no one likes being sick “on vacation”, this was a good experience for us.
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478 US-1, Yarmouth, ME 04096478 US-1
COVID Test
Results in < 1 hour
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1 Main St, Yarmouth, ME 040961 Main St
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
Visit Clinic
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COVID-19 Testing FAQs

  • How much does COVID testing cost?

    COVID testing can be free in many circumstances. As part of their response to the epidemic, many Maine health departments continue to provide free testing to community citizens. In some situations, commercially insured patients, as well as those on Medicare or Medicaid, may be able to get testing for free or for a small office visit fee. COVID tests can cost anything from $50 to $150 each test for cash-paying individuals or those who require speedy answers in under an hour. It's best to call your doctor before getting tested so you can get a better idea of how much the test will cost.

  • Where can I get free COVID testing?

    The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which covers testing for people without health insurance, makes COVID testing free nationwide. Check with your local Maine health department for details since they are usually an excellent source of free COVID tests, or can at least lead you in the proper way. You can also ask your health care practitioner for a recommendation for a free COVID test location.

  • Where can I get COVID testing in Maine?

    COVID testing is available at many outlets near Maine 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 Maine?

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

    Same-day and next day appointments for COVID testing in Maine 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?

    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, scientists feel you should be checked if you have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, especially if you are suffering cold or flu symptoms that are usually associated with the coronavirus.

  • How long does COVID testing take?

    A COVID test is quick. A nasal swab is used for the majority of tests, and it takes less than a minute to swab both nostrils. This means you might be in and out of the testing center in as little as 10-15 minutes, depending on where you obtain your COVID test. Testing sites may be busier than usual during popular seasons, especially around holidays, and wait times may be higher.

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

    Most labs are sending out COVID test results via molecular (PCR) 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 tests are processed on-site and can provide findings in less than an hour, sometimes as quickly as 15 minutes.

  • 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 (2)

Quick, easy and convenient to get a Covid test.

- Verified patient on 7/14

Very nice nurse and quick covid testing

- Verified patient on 7/7

About COVID 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.

Molecular vs Antigen Tests

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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