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50 instant-book locations

4610 Kanawha Ave SW, Charleston, WV 253094610 Kanawha Ave SW
Open12:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
4.42(589 reviews)
Quest Diagnostics - 4610 Kanawha Ave SW
I was very surprised with my experience here. My appointment was made very quickly. I was seen in a very short period of time. My test results came back in a very timely manner. I was able to speak with a doctor soon after and was taking care of. I was very satisfied with the experience I had here. I definitely recommend using them for any issues you have or any questions you may have.
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COVID-19 Antibody Test
$119
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511 Morris St, Charleston, WV 25301511 Morris St
Open until 4:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
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655 Washington St W, Charleston, WV 253022037655 Washington St W
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
  • Sun10:30 am - 5:00 pm
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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
Time to results unknown
$129
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927 Barlow Dr, Charleston, WV 25311927 Barlow Dr
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 - 9:15 am
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
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2345 Chesterfield Ave, Charleston, WV 253042345 Chesterfield Ave
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864 Oakwood Rd, Charleston, WV 25314864 Oakwood Rd
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
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
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885 Oakwood Rd, Charleston, WV 25314885 Oakwood Rd
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
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
CVS Pharmacy - 885 Oakwood Rd
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3004 Chesterfield Ave, Charleston, WV 253043004 Chesterfield Ave
Open until 4:30 pm
  • Mon 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tue 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wed 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thu 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Sat 7:00 am - 1:30 pm
  • SunClosed
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
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3100 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 253043100 MacCorkle Ave SE
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3100 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 253043100 MacCorkle Ave SE
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1416 MacCorkle Ave SW, Charleston, WV 253031416 MacCorkle Ave SW
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
2.5(10 reviews)
MedExpress Urgent Care, Charleston - 1416 MacCorkle Ave SW, Charleston
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min
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3701 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 253043701 MacCorkle Ave SE
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
Labcorp - 3701 MacCorkle Ave SE
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PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
$119
Visit Clinic

4205 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 253044205 MacCorkle Ave SE
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 - 8:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 8:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy - 4205 MacCorkle Ave SE
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4502 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 253044502 MacCorkle Ave SE
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333 MacCorkle Ave SW, South Charleston, WV 25303333 MacCorkle Ave SW
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313 MacCorkle Ave SW, South Charleston, WV 25303313 MacCorkle Ave SW
Labcorp - 313 MacCorkle Ave SW, South Charleston
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313 MacCorkle Ave SW, South Charleston, WV 25303313 MacCorkle Ave SW
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
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5430 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 253125430 MacCorkle Ave SE
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
2.33(3 reviews)
MedExpress Urgent Care, Charleston - 5430 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston
Received very professional care from everyone Kind caring people esp the PA Very efficient not a long wait Highly recommend would go there again if needed Highly recommend
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min
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30 RHL Blvd, Charleston, WV 2530930 RHL Blvd
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 - 5:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 5:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy, Inside Target - 30 RHL Blvd
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301 RHL Blvd, South Charleston, WV 25309301 RHL Blvd
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2700 Mountaineer Blvd, South Charleston, WV 253092700 Mountaineer Blvd
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4605 MacCorkle Ave SW, South Charleston, WV 253094605 MacCorkle Ave SW
Open until12:00 pm
  • Mon10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Tue10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Wed10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Thu10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Fri10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
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4605 MacCorkle Ave SW, South Charleston, WV 253094605 MacCorkle Ave SW
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
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4825 MacCorkle Ave SW, South Charleston, WV 253094825 MacCorkle Ave SW
Open until 4:30 pm
  • Mon 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tue 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wed 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thu 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Fri 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • SunClosed
Labcorp - 4825 MacCorkle Ave SW
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Solv ClearPrice™
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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
$119
Visit Clinic

4812 MacCorkle Ave SW, Charleston, WV 253094812 MacCorkle Ave SW
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(3 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

MedExpress Urgent Care, Charleston - 4812 MacCorkle Ave SW, Charleston
I had to take my daughter in for a cough. The PA took the time to listen to my concerns. We did not have to wait long and staff was very friendly. I would recommend this MedExpress to anyone needing care.
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min
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121 10th St, Dunbar, WV 25064121 10th 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 am
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 8:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy - 121 10th St
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700 Technology Dr, South Charleston, WV 25309700 Technology Dr
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
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
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314 Goff Mountain Rd, Cross Lanes, WV 25313314 Goff Mountain Rd
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 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
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101 Goff Mountain Rd, Charleston, WV 25313101 Goff Mountain Rd
Open until 4:00 pm
  • Mon 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Tue 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wed 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thu 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Fri 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
Labcorp - 101 Goff Mountain Rd
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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
$119
Visit Clinic

100 Nitro Market Pl, Nitro, WV 25143100 Nitro Market Pl
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221 Crossings Mall Rd, Elkview, WV 25071221 Crossings Mall Rd
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 - 8:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 6:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy - 221 Crossings Mall Rd
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2100 E Dupont Ave, Belle, WV 250152100 E Dupont Ave
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201 Maccorkle Ave, Saint Albans, WV 25177201 Maccorkle Ave
Open until10:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 6:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy - 201 Maccorkle Ave
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12 Kanawha Terrace, Saint Albans, WV 2517712 Kanawha Terrace
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1001 Warrior Way, Belle, WV 250151001 Warrior Way
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101 21st St, Nitro, WV 25143101 21st 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 - 6:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 5:00 pm
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
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300 Liberty Square Dr, Hurricane, WV 25526300 Liberty Square Dr
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 - 5:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 5:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy, Inside Target - 300 Liberty Square Dr
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113 Liberty Square Dr, Hurricane, WV 25526113 Liberty Square Dr
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 - 8:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 8:00 pm
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4539 Teays Valley Road, Teays Valley, WV 255604539 Teays Valley Road
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
  • Sun12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
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563 WV-34, Hurricane, WV 25526563 WV-34
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
3.0(1 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their clean offices

Sparkling Clean

MedExpress Urgent Care, Teays Valley - 563 WV-34, Hurricane
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min
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8699 Elk River Rd N, Clendenin, WV 250458699 Elk River Rd N
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3901 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane, WV 255263901 Teays Valley Road
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 am
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 8:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy - 3901 Teays Valley Road
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1207 Hospital Dr, Hurricane, WV 255261207 Hospital Dr
Open until 4:00 pm
  • Mon 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Tue 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wed 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thu 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Fri 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
Labcorp - 1207 Hospital Dr
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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
$119
Visit Clinic

1400 Hospital Dr, Hurricane, WV 255261400 Hospital Dr
Open until 4:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

I seen Dr. Muhammad Aslam Klan MD and I have to say he is the best doctor I have seen in Teays Valley Hospital and in general for years he is old school doctor with Absolutely the best bed side manner he makes you know that he is going to do his best and will make you feel better, he says don't worry calm down I will get you taken care of and he does I went in with a very scared and afraid 😟 I wasn't going to make it and his warm and friendly manner made me feel safe and know that he cares about you and your health I seen him once before and he was the same way I wish he was a Regular Doctor you could see in a office cause he is very rare for these days and time I can't brag enough about him he is the best and I wanted to look him up and hopefully he will see this and know how Appreciated Iam and know he is one of the best doctor's I have ever seen in his Field Thank you so Very Much Dr.Muhammed Aslam Khan M.D. your the best !!!!!!! Signed [email protected]
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
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12803 Winfield Rd, Winfield, WV 2521312803 Winfield Rd
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 - 4:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 3:00 pm
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
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201 Roosevelt Blvd, Eleanor, WV 25070201 Roosevelt Blvd
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300 4th Ave, Montgomery, WV 25136300 4th 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
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
CVS Pharmacy - 300 4th Ave
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501 Roosevelt Blvd, Eleanor, WV 25070501 Roosevelt Blvd
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 - 4:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 3:00 pm
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
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3400 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane, WV 255263400 Teays Valley Road
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
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Book a COVID test online

COVID-19 Antibody Test
This test detects SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) antibodies from a previous infection and from the COVID-19 vaccinations.

Quick and easy

Quick and easy

No paperwork for breezy booking, with texts to keep you up-to-date.

Know what's covered

Know what's covered

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In your neighborhood

In your neighborhood

Great healthcare professionals who treat you like a neighbor (because they are).

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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia?

    COVID testing is available at many outlets near West Virginia 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 West Virginia?

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

    Same-day and next day appointments for COVID testing in West Virginia 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 (1)

We have been both insured and uninsured over the last 15 years and have been seen at the local hospital (UHC) and another nearby clinic where our PCP is. Our family's last 8 trips to MedExpress have been mixed but overall positive. Six times they correctly diagnosed the issue on the first try and provided initial care, sometimes resolving the issue, sometimes requiring a second visit or a visit to our PCP instead. The 7th time was a pre-surgery covid test which was handled very professionally although there was a significant wait time. Our 8th visit was negative with our primary concern being dismissed, then turning into an emergency requiring hospitalization 3 days later. Overall the staff has been friendly, straight-forward, and professional. The place has been almost spotless every time. The cost was always near the max they quoted and a method of payment was required up front for the times we didn't have insurance.

- Verified patient on 1/15

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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