Get access to COVID testing in Texas with Solv. Find and book same day appointments at participating testing sites across the state. To make it even easier, download the Solv app today.
COVID Testing & Rapid Testing in Texas
Get access to COVID testing in Texas with Solv. Find and book same day appointments at participating testing sites across the state. To make it even easier, download the Solv app today.
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This was my first time coming to this urgent care. The staff went above and beyond with helping my injured son. I would recommend this place to everyone, they helped me out with pulling up his insurance, getting a wheel chair for my son to move him around in while in the facility, and they were calm and professional. They made the experience so easy for me, and I was a nervous wreck when I got there, but they were so helpful that it took a lot of weight off my shoulders. Thank you, you all are my heroes. Happy Mother’s Day.
Self-pay pricing
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 $50
PCR Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown $150
Video Visits
4.8113
Care so fast, you'll still be in your PJs
$79* per visit (only $49 for Solv Plus members)
Recent 5-star patient review
I was seen quickly, without being in a waiting room for hours! Friendly and thorough, an amazing patient experience!
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.
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.
So quick and easy and felt so clean!! Would 10/10 come back for any testing I need!
Self-pay pricing
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.
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.
Awesome service. I was in pain ati everyone was so kind to me. I will recommend this service to everyone in need!!
Self-pay pricing
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.
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.
Everyone was amazing from the front office to the rooms in the back. Super professional and helpful.
Self-pay pricing
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.
I came to Houston to visit family. I brought with me an allergy to poison sumac. No one knows what it is. I went there. They didn't know what it was but listened to me about what it was. Gave me some antihistamine and prednisone shots like I told them I needed and even wrote me a script for some prednisone for in a few days. They were perfect. Yall are lucky to have them serving yalls community. It is hard to find a place that accepts medicaid, are super nice, and listen to the patients! Yall rock.
Front desk not very friendly or welcoming All other staff and the Doctor were awesome
Self-pay pricing
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.
I registered online and made my appointment. I checked in and the staff was very friendly. I received prescriptions and they performed a flu and COVID test too.
Self-pay pricing
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.
Nice place. Staff is friendly and courteous. The NP that saw me was knowledgeable and listened to my concerns. If needed, I would return again and refer to my friends and family
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.
Staff was very nice and professional. Wait time was less than 5 minutes.
Self-pay pricing
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 15 min $75
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min $75
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Latest COVID Testing updates
May 10, 2022
The nation's flu positivity test rate reached nearly 10 percent in mid-April, making it the first time such an increase has occurred so late in the flu season since 1982 (NBC News)
May 6, 2022
The Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV2 virus is intrinsically as severe as previous variants, according to a preprint version of a large U.S. study that counters assumptions in other studies that it was more transmissible but less severe. (Reuters)
May 2, 2022
COVID-19 cases are rising in nearly every corner of the United States, yet hospitalizations remain low, partly a reflection of greater immunity in the population. (NY Times)
Apr 26, 2022
CDC estimates that 3 in 4 children have had COVID-19 infections and more than half of all Americans had signs of previous infections (US News)
Apr 21, 2022
A viral offspring of the BA.2 COVID-19 subvariant, called BA.2.12.1, is gaining a foothold in the United States. The variant appears to be more transmissible than BA.2, but there is no evidence yet that it causes more severe disease. (Verywell Health)
Apr 11, 2022
Philadelphia is bringing back its indoor mask mandate beginning April 18 after a 50% increase in Covid-19 cases in the past 10 days. (Bloomberg)
Apr 7, 2022
The Omicron subvariant known as BA.2 is the dominant strain circulating around the U.S., accounting for almost three out of every four cases. (Axios)
Apr 7, 2022
A U.S. appeals court panel on Thursday reinstated President Joe Biden's executive order mandating that federal civilian employees be vaccinated against COVID-19. (Reuters)
Apr 5, 2022
FDA pulls authorization for GSK-Vir's COVID therapy as BA.2 cases rise. Data suggests these treatments are unlikely to be effective against the dominant Omicron sub-variant in the country. (Reuters)
Mar 29, 2022
FDA authorizes second coronavirus booster shot for people 50 and older, a decision intended to help shore up protection against severe illness. (Washington Post)
Mar 25, 2022
Nationwide, COVID-19 cases decreased 15 percent over the past 14 days, according to HHS data collected by The New York Times. But as the more contagious omicron subvariant BA.2 continues to spread, cases are ticking upward in 10 states and D.C. as of March 25. (Becker's Hospital Review)
Mar 23, 2022
Moderna’s two-dose Covid vaccine was about 44% effective at preventing infection from omicron in children 6 months to under 2 years old and about 38% effective for children 2- to 5-years-old
Mar 23, 2022
School mask mandates in the U.S. reduced COVID-19 Delta variant transmission by 72%, a study finds. (CityBeat)
Mar 22, 2022
Omicron BA.2 variant now represents more than 50% of COVID cases in parts of Northeast, CDC estimates (Wall Street Journal)
Mar 22, 2022
After weeks in free fall, new Covid-19 cases are starting to level off in the US, as the BA.2 subvariant continues its ascent. (CNN)
Mar 21, 2022
China battles biggest surge in Covid cases since original Wuhan outbreak. China says it recorded more than 4,300 new Covid-19 cases on March 20, according to the National Health Commission.
Mar 21, 2022
Multiple U.S. states will close mass COVID testing sites in the following weeks despite concerns from health experts that the country will be unprepared if a new wave of cases hits following reported surges in European countries. (Seattle Times)
Mar 20, 2022
About 95% of Americans 16 and older have antibodies against COVID-19 as of December, the most recent date that data is available, according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CNN)
Mar 19, 2022
“I expect we’ll see a wave in the U.S. sooner than what most people expect,” said Kristian Andersen, a virologist at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, Calif. "Such a wave would be accompanied by rising hospitalizations and deaths.” (New Yotk Times)
Mar 19, 2022
A study has shown 49.6% of those with long COVID reported they had difficulty getting medical professionals to take their symptoms seriously. 78% of people who reported they had long COVID symptoms during the study stated they experienced difficulties with concentration.
Feb 23, 2022
Flu season has been mild and is waning, but CDC is not willing to call it over. Despite a circulating strain of influenza that usually causes severe illness, this season has been mild. However, experts say a late winter or spring surge is possible. (NBC News)
Feb 1, 2022
Pfizer-BioNTech are expected to submit to the FDA as early as Tuesday a request for emergency-use authorization for their COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months to 5 years old. Those familiar with the situation indicate the vaccine for children under 5 could be available by the end of February (Washington Post)
Jan 19, 2022
Three separate lab studies indicate Paxlovid, Pfizer's COVID pill, is effective against the Omicron variant despite its mutations (Wall Street Journal)
Jan 19, 2022
COVID-19 cases in NYC show Omicron infections may be plummeting, a positive indication that the wave of the highly infectious variant may subside as quickly as it arrived.
Jan 18, 2022
The USPS is now taking orders for free COVID-19 test kits and will prioritize shipments to Americans from ZIP codes that have experienced high rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths, with the first 20% of each day's orders going to those areas. (NPR)
Jan 11, 2022
The Biden administration announced Monday that insurance companies and health plans will be required to cover eight free over-the-counter at-home tests per covered individual per month. For instance, a family of four all on the same plan would be able to get up to 32 of these tests covered by their health plan per month. (NPR)
Jan 11, 2022
The omicron-driven surge has sent COVID-19 hospitalizations skyrocketing across the U.S., reaching a new pandemic high this week with 145,982 patients hospitalized. Patients with COVID now fill about 30% of ICU beds in the nation. (NPR)
Jan 11, 2022
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. State Department on Monday advised against travel to neighboring Canada because of a rising number of COVID cases as the omicron variant spreads. (NBC News)
Jan 4, 2022
The Omicron variant accounted for more than 95% of all new COVID-19 cases reported in the past week that ended Saturday, up from 77% and 38% for the prior two weeks, respectively. (CDC)
Jan 4, 2022
Nearly 1 in 100 Americans have tested positive for the virus in just the last week, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Over 1 million cases were reported in the U.S. on Monday alone, which is the highest during the Pandemic. (USA Today)
Jan 3, 2022
The Omicron coronavirus variant is better at circumventing vaccinated peoples' immunity than the Delta variant, according to a Danish study published last week, helping explain why Omicron is spreading more rapidly. (Reuters)
Jan 3, 2022
According to the FDA, “Early data suggests that antigen tests do detect the omicron variant but may have reduced sensitivity,” citing findings from a preliminary lab study shared Dec. 28. This means that more false negative antigen tests are possible, particularly in the early stages of the disease.
Dec 28, 2021
Despite the spread of the Omicron variant, the U.S. has only a 62% vaccination rate with the least vaccinated counties remaining unswayed (NY Times)
Dec 28, 2021
Rising COVID-19 cases contributed to airlines canceling more than 1,000 flights on Monday, prompting Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, to suggest the government consider mandating vaccines for domestic flights. (Reuters)
Dec 28, 2021
The CDC has cut the amount of time it recommends people should isolate after testing positive for COVID-19 from 10 days to 5. Health officials similarly reduced the amount of time a person should quarantine after coming into contact with someone who tests positive. (USA Today)
Dec 22, 2021
FDA authorizes Pfizer’s Covid treatment pill, the first oral antiviral drug cleared during the pandemic (CNBC)
Dec 20, 2021
Fauci: Pfizer’s possibly game-changing COVID-19 pill won’t be widely available for ‘months’ (Forbes)
Dec 17, 2021
CDC has narrowed use of J&J vaccine, officially recommending the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines when they are available. The recommendation follows growing concerns about rare blood clots associated with the J&J vaccine.
Dec 16, 2021
The CDC has warned that the rapidly spreading Omicron variant could bring a COVID-19 punishing wave as soon as January, while indicating existing vaccine regimen plus boosters are effective in protecting against serious illness and death. (Washington Post)
Dec 16, 2021
United States stands on the cusp of surpassing 800,000 deaths from the virus, with 600,000 of those deaths being people 65 and older. In fact, One in 100 older Americans has died from the virus. In fact, 1 in 100 older Americans has died from the virus. (New York Times)
Dec 12, 2021
Omicron may require fourth vaccine dose sooner than expected, Pfizer says (Washington Post)
Dec 7, 2021
Researchers in South Africa, where the Omicron COVID-19 variant is spreading quickly, say it may cause less serious COVID cases than other forms of the virus, but it is unclear whether that will hold true. (NY Times)
Dec 1, 2021
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Omicron COVID-19 variant has now been identified in at least 24 countries, including the United States with the first reported case being identified in California. (NPR, New York Times)
Nov 29, 2021
The World Health Organization is warning that the new omicron variant of the coronavirus poses a "very high" global risk because of the possibility that it spreads more easily and might resist vaccines and immunity in people who were infected with previous strains. (NPR)
Nov 28, 2021
S.African doctor says patients with Omicron variant have "very mild" symptoms (Reuters)
Nov 19, 2021
FDA has authorized COVID booster shots for all fully vaccinated Americans who are age 18 and older for both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. CDC will make the final determination on Friday.
Nov 5, 2021
Pfizer antiviral pill reduced risk of covid hospitalization and death by 89 percent in high-risk people, company study shows. The protective effect was so convincing that an independent panel monitoring a trial of the drug advised it be stopped early. (Washington Post)
Nov 3, 2021
CDC has officially recommended the pediatric dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, opening the door for 28 million US kids to be vaccinated. This decision follows "robust" antibody response and "favorable" safety outcomes in kids who received the two-dose regimen in clinical trials. (CDC, NPR)
Oct 29, 2021
FDA has emergency use authorized (EUA) the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children 5 to 11 for. Experts said the shot could bring relief to parents anxious about their children getting sick, though some worry that those most at risk may slip through the cracks. (NY Times)
Oct 26, 2021
FDA advisory panel has unanimously recommended Pfizer’s low-dose COVID vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11. The endorsement was a critical step in getting more kids in the U.S. protected against the virus. The agency doesn’t always follow the advice of its independent committee, but it often does. (CNBC)
Oct 21, 2021
For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months ago, the following groups are eligible for a COVID booster shot: (1) 65 years and older, (2) Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings, (3) Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions, and (4) Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings. For people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18+ and who were vaccinated two or more months ago. (CDC)
Oct 11, 2021
Demand for rapid at-home COVID tests has been high, and shoppers find either empty shelves in drugstores or get “out of stock” messages online as companies rushing to meet demand (WHYY / NPR)
Oct 7, 2021
Pfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11, formally filing its application with the FDA. If regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks. (AP)
Oct 7, 2021
Starting Oct. 30, the Canadian government will require all air travelers and passengers on interprovincial trains to be vaccinated against COVID-19. (USA Today)
Oct 6, 2021
The Biden administration on Wednesday announced a new $1 billion investment in home coronavirus tests that will quadruple the nation's supply of these rapid tests by early December, officials said. (USA Today)
Oct 1, 2021
About a third of parents say they want to vaccinate their 5-to-11-year-old children “right away” once a coronavirus vaccine is available for that age group, according to a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation. (Washington Post)
Sep 28, 2021
Pfizer submits data to FDA, seeking emergency use authorization (EUA) for its COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 These younger kids could be vaccinated by Halloween, Pfizer CEO says. (NBC News)
Sep 27, 2021
The COVID pandemic has become the deadliest outbreak in American history. According to data from Johns Hopkins University 681,253 individuals in the U.S. have died from COVID-19, with an estimated 675,000 people during the 1918 flu pandemic. (Smithsonian)
Sep 24, 2021
The CDC has announced recommendations for booster shots and who should receive them:
(1) People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,(2) People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,(3) People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks, and(4) People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
Sep 23, 2021
The FDA has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for a booster dose of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in people 65 and older, people at high risk of severe disease, and people whose jobs put them at risk of infection. (CNN)
Sep 20, 2021
Pfizer reports a low dose of their COVID vaccine is safe and effective in children ages 5 to 11 and are seeking emergency use authorization as they continue to accumulate data to support an application for full approval in children. (Washington Post)
Sep 14, 2021
Top U.S. health officials believe that Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine could be authorized for children aged 5-11 years old by the end of October (Reuters)
Sep 9, 2021
President Biden and the U.S. Department of Labor will issue a rule requiring businesses with more than 100 employees to have their workers vaccinated or tested weekly, officials said on Thursday.
Sep 9, 2021
Authorities are expecting an active flu season this year, threatening hospitals already struggling to keep up with COVID-19 strains. There is hope that COVID and flu vaccines will keep case counts low this winter. (Wall Street Journal)
Sep 8, 2021
COVID-19 testing infrastructure nationally struggles to keep up with Delta variant demand. President Biden will address the situation laying out the next phase of the federal pandemic response.
Sep 7, 2021
World Health Organization (WHO): COVID-19 is likely “here to stay” as the virus continues to mutate similarly to the influenza (flu) pandemic viruses. (CNBC)
Aug 23, 2021
U.S. FDA has officially granted full approval to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
Aug 19, 2021
As the Delta variant spreads through the US, demand for COVID testing has risen to levels previously seen in November of 2020. Urgent care centers are again on the front lines of care and experiencing record high patient volumes.
Aug 17, 2021
The flu vaccine may lower the risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Researchers studied nearly 75,000 COVID-19 patients, half of whom had received the most recently available flu shot.
Aug 15, 2021
CDC reports that COVID-19 has caused more pediatric deaths than the flu since the pandemic began.
Aug 13, 2021
Pediatric hospitals are seeing a spike in RSV cases as COVID-19 Delta variant continues, flu season approaches.
Aug 4, 2021
The Delta variant now accounts for about 93% of all COVID-19 cases in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Aug 3, 2021
The seven-day average of daily COVID cases in the U.S. surpassed the peak seen last summer when the nation didn’t have an authorized vaccine, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said. Friday July 30 saw 72,790 new COVID cases nationwide.
Jul 9, 2021
Current guidance from the CDC says fully vaccinated people can refrain from routine COVID testing, however, some experts are questioning whether that approach should change given the spread of the new Delta variant.
Jul 7, 2021
Children have found a manipulative method generate false-positive COVID tests using soft drinks, all in an effort to get out of school.
May 14, 2021
Walmart, the nation's largest retailer, says fully vaccinated employees and customers will not need to wear a mask inside stores beginning on Tuesday, based on the latest guidance from the CDC.
May 14, 2021
Target, Home Depot, CVS and Harris Teeter are among the chains that will continue to require masks in store, though they are reviewing new CDC guidance and reevaluating store policies.
May 13, 2021
CDC: If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal or territorial laws, incl. local business and workplace guidance.
Apr 27, 2021
The CDC on Tuesday eased guidelines on mask-wearing for Americans, noting many outdoor activities are now safe without a mask following significant progress with the COVID-19 vaccine and reductions in new daily cases nationwide.
Apr 26, 2021
As of Sunday, April 25, Virginia has had 654,210 total cases of COVID-19, including confirmed lab tests and clinical diagnoses, according to the Virginia Department of Health. That total reflects a 884 case increase since Saturday. The Virginia Department of Health reports a 6.1% 7-day positivity rate for total testing encounters, and a 5.5% 7-day positivity rate for PCR tests. 16 additional deaths were reported on Sunday, leaving the death toll at 10,691.
Apr 23, 2021
The State of Texas officially closed the free COVID-19 testing site in Sulphur Springs, according to Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management.
Apr 22, 2021
More than 86 million U.S. adults are now fully vaccinated with more than 200 million shots administered, but experts fear that enthusiasm for getting the vaccine could be falling and many Americans may be too eager to take off their masks.
Apr 6, 2021
Epidemiologists and other public health experts are debating whether to use rapid COVID-19 tests as admission tickets to schools, businesses and entertainment and sports venues. Even with the quickening pace of vaccinations, it will be months before all Americans who want COVID-19 vaccines receive them. As a result, testing could become ubiquitous as a requirement for students, office workers, spectators and visitors seeking to gather indoors.
Apr 5, 2021
The Houston Health Department is urging Houstonians who have not been vaccinated to get a COVID-19 test and will offer drive-thru testing at two surge sites affiliated with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Southwest Multi-Service Center, 6400 High Star Drive, and Houston Community College – North Forest, 6010 Little York Rd., will offer nasal self-swab tests. The sites will open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Apr 1, 2021
FDA approves two new over-the-counter COVID tests: Abbott's BinaxNOW and Quidel Quickvue tests will soon be available at drug stores in two-packs for between $15 and $20.
Mar 31, 2021
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC: "Vaccinated people do not carry the virus — they don’t get sick.” Walensky was referring to a new CDC study that suggests those fully inoculated with the vaccines produced by Moderna and Pfizer don’t transmit the virus.
Mar 30, 2021
The state is launching a rapid COVID-19 testing program for Texas summer youth camps licensed by the Department of State Health Services, Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management announced Tuesday. The TDEM will provide participating summer camps with rapid antigen tests that will be administered to staff members and campers on a voluntary basis.
COVID 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 Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas?
COVID testing is available at many outlets near Texas 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 Texas?
Rapid testing—both PCR (molecular) and antigen tests—is offered through many Texas-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 Texas?
Same-day and next day appointments for COVID testing in Texas 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.