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COVID testing & Rapid testing near me in Aston, PA

COVID Test
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20 instant-book locations

2305 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 198032305 Concord Pike
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
4.7(6k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

ChristianaCare- GoHealth Urgent Care, Fairfax - 2305 Concord Pike
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

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3532 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 190733532 West Chester Pike
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 - 7:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
4.41(27 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

Carbon Health Urgent Care, Newtown Square - 3532 West Chester Pike
It was my first visit and I would highly recommend this as an alternative when your family doctor is unavailable. Great service and very professional. I was quite satisfied with my visit.
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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
Rapid
Results in same day
$160
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in same day
$75

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

6232 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 191396232 Market 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
  • SunClosed
4.53(471 reviews)
CityLife Health, Cobbs Creek - 6232 Market St
Absolutely loved the professionalism and quickness of everything. Was out within an hour. The staff were amazing and friendly.
PCR Test
Results in 1-5 days
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min

AVAILABLE TIMES

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360 Buckley Ml Rd, Greenville, DE 19807360 Buckley Ml 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
4.8(3.6k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

ChristianaCare- GoHealth Urgent Care, Greenville - 360 Buckley Ml Rd
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

372 W Lancaster Ave, Wayne, PA 19087372 W Lancaster 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 7:00 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
5.0(1 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

IM Health, Covid Testing - 372 W Lancaster Ave
Due to full time work I was unable to seek care from my PCP. No one made me feel poorly about that. I was tended to quickly. Full and genuine smiles. Questions asked for better and proper cares. Thorough treatment, cohesive teamwork, positive outcome. Thank you all!!!!
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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
Rapid
Time to results unknown
$150
Antigen Test
Time to results unknown

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

372 W Lancaster Ave, Wayne, PA 19087372 W Lancaster Ave
Open until 9:00 pm
  • Mon 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Tue 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Wed 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Thu 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Fri 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sat 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sun 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
4.82(779 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

IM | Health, Urgent Care, Family Practice & Physical Therapy - 372 W Lancaster Ave
A differentiated experience from a typical doctors visit. This one was efficient and comfortable.
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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
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour
$150
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min
$150

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

701 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19147701 S Broad 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
  • Sat 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
4.29(14 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

Carbon Health Urgent Care, Philadelphia - 701 S Broad St
Awesome, when it come to Health Care with out the wait when you have an appointment. Carbon Health is committed to keeping your personalized appointment. I, Thank the staff for being courteous, professional and clean a office!
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 same day
$130
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in same day
$75

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

5708 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 191285708 Ridge Ave
Open until 7:30 pm
  • Mon 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Tue 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Wed 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Thu 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Fri 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Sat 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Sun 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
4.75(12 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

AFC Urgent Care, Roxborough - 5708 Ridge Ave
Amazing facility. Clean. Dr Singh is the best

AVAILABLE TIMES

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107 Town Center Rd, King Of Prussia, PA 19406107 Town Center 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 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Mar 31Closed
4.79(1.1k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

Live Urgent Care, King of Prussia  - 107 Town Center Rd, King Of Prussia
the booking process was super simple & the staff were all super friendly and helpful!
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 same day
$200
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min
$135

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

4724 Limestone Rd, Wilmington, DE 198084724 Limestone 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
4.8(6.7k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

ChristianaCare- GoHealth Urgent Care, Pike Creek - 4724 Limestone Rd
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

180 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123180 W Girard Ave
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
4.24(34 reviews)
AFC Urgent Care, Northern Liberties - 180 W Girard Ave
Great customer, everyone was friendly and caring.
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

1010 W Lehigh Ave, Philadelphia, PA 191331010 W Lehigh 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
  • SunClosed
4.6(304 reviews)
CityLife Health , Virtual Visit - Philadelphia Area - 1010 W Lehigh Ave

AVAILABLE TIMES

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1010 W Lehigh Ave, Philadelphia, PA 191331010 W Lehigh 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
  • SunClosed
4.57(487 reviews)
CityLife Health , Lehigh Avenue - 1010 W Lehigh Ave
Helped my son relax wait time WASNT long
PCR Test
Results in 1-5 days
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min

AVAILABLE TIMES

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48 E Ridge Pike, Conshohocken, PA 1942848 E Ridge Pike
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:15 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:15 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:15 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:15 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:15 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 8:15 am - 5:00 pm
4.16(19 reviews)
AFC Urgent Care, Conshohocken - 48 E Ridge Pike
Dr McDonald took care of managing my illness. Listening and helping me understand how to get better and the path to get there. Thank you!

AVAILABLE TIMES

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363 W Browning Rd, Bellmawr, NJ 08031363 W Browning 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 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Mar 31Closed
4.85(3.2k reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

Live Urgent Care, Bellmawr - 363 W Browning Rd
All went very well. All staff, from the front desk to medical professionals, were very pleasant and professional.
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 same day
$150
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour
$135

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

200 Hygeia Dr, Newark, DE 19718200 Hygeia 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
4.8(9.9k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

ChristianaCare- GoHealth Urgent Care, Healthcare Center Christiana - 200 Hygeia Dr, Newark
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

1011 E Songsmith Dr, Bear, DE 197011011 E Songsmith 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
ChristianaCare- GoHealth Urgent Care, Bear - 1011 E Songsmith Dr, Bear
I went for obyn issue. They were great. They did a exam and test. All good. They were their to assure me that I'm ok and had nothing to worry about. They were very professional
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

2401 W Cheltenham Ave, Wyncote, PA 190952401 W Cheltenham 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 - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
3.86(36 reviews)
AFC Urgent Care, Cheltenham - 2401 W Cheltenham Ave
Pleasant nurse and doctor. Resolved my issue quickly.

AVAILABLE TIMES

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5000 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 191245000 Frankford 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
  • SunClosed
4.62(292 reviews)
CityLife Health, Frankford - 5000 Frankford Ave
Very nice and very friendly
PCR Test
Results in 1-5 days
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min

AVAILABLE TIMES

Call now

550 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713550 S College 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
ChristianaCare- GoHealth Urgent Care, STAR Campus - 550 S College Ave, Newark
Our experience was awesome. Wait time was 5 mins. Staff was courteous and very friendly.
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 Aston?

    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 Aston?

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

    COVID testing is available at many outlets near Aston 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 Aston?

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

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

    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 Aston?

    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)

It was fine but I disagree at the last minute being askto put a credit card on fil to pay for the covid test im on social security disability I have medicare insurance I booked online it told me I could use my insurance...... then when the video call came it wouldn't let me join till I put my debit card on this isn't right!!!! No cost I have insurance that pays the staff are very good

- Verified patient on 10/1

Rapid covid test I have to get a video vs first. Each time I have to go through alot of personal info each time.Taking into consideration my older age this becomes more difficult each time. Why can't they keep my info on file?

- Verified patient on 2/22

I had a Telemedicine appointment for COVID testing with little to no wait time and they were able to get my testing done next day! Extremely smooth and easy process! Great job everyone!

- Verified patient on 12/3

Have had a great experience. Getting weekly Covid testing since August for work. Staff is always friendly, timely, and efficient, whether for prescreen or test. Usually get test results within 24-36 hours every week. Highly recommend!

- Verified patient on 1/28

did the drive in Covid testing. looked over my file and made sure i came in in time to assure results were back prior to travel.

- Verified patient on 10/12

It is the first time I had to schedule a covid test before my upcoming surgery this week and I was pleasantly surprised just how quick the virtual visit was, easy to schedule and the staff nice and helpful to talk to.

- Verified patient on 11/15

Had to do a video call to get a Covid test done. The staff and doctor were very nice

- Verified patient on 8/25

Had a telephone visit prior to a COVID test. Scheduled my COVID test for later same day. Got the test done as scheduled. Easy and went as planned.

- Verified patient on 5/14

Quick at drive they Covid test. No line. Woman was efficient

- Verified patient on 1/25

Everything Always pleasant & accommodating & patient. Most recently (Friday) arranging a covid test

- Verified patient on 1/30

So far, I only had my tele med conference with Joe E (can’t recall his last name). He was awesome and treated me with great respect. I’m going for my rapid Covid test tomorrow and I’m sure that experience will be just fine as well.

- Verified patient on 9/5

Covid test pulled up in car got taken care of right away. The nurse who did the test was very nice and professional. Was hoping to get results today but I guess will hear tomorrow.

- Verified patient on 12/3

Good visit they set me up for a covid test

- Verified patient on 11/7

These telephone visits covid testing is worse than going through a root canal you expect the elderly generation to know how to navigate internet and we all don't know that. So think about us when you're doing things like these scheduling. We do know the telephone.

- Verified patient on 1/25

I set up a telmed appointment for a COVID test. The appointment was was set up within an hour and I had my appointment scheduled the next day for my test. Everyone I talked to was friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend Aston Urgent care

- Verified patient on 1/29

Perfect experience with Telemedicine appointment!! Knowledgeable and kind and guided me in the right direction regarding covid testing.

- Verified patient on 2/25

Covid test. A little confused about the video. I thought I was going to watch it then get tested. I drive there. That needs to be explained better

- Verified patient on 10/14

This was a pre-screen telemed call for a Covid test.

- Verified patient on 10/6

Very helpful and friendly staff. Their covid testing process is quite easy from online scheduling to testing. Questions are answered promptly and clearly@

- Verified patient on 11/14

Staff was very helpful and friendly. Was able to get a same day appointment for Covid testing. Would highly recommend this facility!

- Verified patient on 4/13

Aston 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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