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How to Get a COVID Test for International Travel

A negative covid test continues to be a requirement to travel the world—including for entry into the united states. here’s how to get the right test when you need it..

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COVID tests are the must-have travel item of the pandemic.

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The need for COVID testing doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon. Even as more people get vaccinated worldwide against COVID-19, variants such as Delta and Omicron have put numerous countries on high alert. Once again, there are new—and in some cases, stricter—COVID testing requirements for travel.

As of December 6, the United States began requiring that all international arrivals get tested for COVID no more than one calendar day before flying to the United States , regardless of vaccination status. That’s down from three days prior, making it even more of a last-minute challenge to get tested before flying to the U.S.

France and the United Kingdom also reintroduced COVID testing requirements in December for all travelers, regardless of vaccination status. The sudden developments served as a reminder of how quickly travelers sometimes have to scramble to find tests that satisfy new rules—for many, it’s overnight. How do you stay on top of so many changes? How do you know what you need? Look here for starters.

Whether travelers are in search of a COVID test before heading abroad or need to re-enter the U.S., here are the (numerous) options and ways to get a COVID test for international travel.

What kind of COVID test is required to enter the U.S.?

According to the official order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID tests that satisfy the U.S. entry requirement include a PCR test, antigen test (including a rapid antigen test), or an approved home or self test , which means that there are some easier options than a PCR test, the results for which can take longer to obtain—though, there are services that offer “rapid PCR” tests, usually for an added cost.

CDC-approved COVID self tests for international travel

The BinaxNOW Antigen home kit is sold as a six-pack for $150, which comes out to $25 for each kit.

Courtesy of Abbott

For travelers who are worried about obtaining a PCR or antigen test within a day of flying back to the U.S., there is the option of bringing a set of COVID-19 home or self tests with them. The CDC has approved a handful of self tests for international travel. They include the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Home Test , the Ellume COVID-19 Home Test with Azova , and Cue COVID-19 tests —all of which we have reviewed .

The tests can be self-administered—meaning you do your own nasal swab—but to meet the CDC requirements, they must be paired with a supervised telehealth video call in real time. (The above tests include the telehealth call service.) Travelers, take note: You must have a reliable internet connection wherever you plan to administer the test, so logging into the telehealth video call isn’t an issue.

Related We Reviewed the CDC-Approved COVID Home Tests for International Travel—Here’s What to Know

How to find a testing site abroad

Want to find out if the country you’re planning to visit has COVID testing sites that can turn around results within a day? A great place to start is the U.S. State Department’s detailed COVID-19 travel information and country-specific advisories , which include an entire section on COVID-19 testing for each country. Right up front, the section answers the question of whether PCR and/or antigen tests are available to U.S. citizens and whether test results are reliably available within one calendar day. It also often includes information about where and how to obtain such tests.

Another good resource is TestforTravel.com , where you can search any international destination for testing centers and filter by the specific type of COVID-19 test you’re looking for.

The good news is that testing has ramped up worldwide, and it has become more widely available at international airports and hotels. Travel companies—including airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators—and travel advisors are also stepping in to help international travelers either actually get tested or find testing sites in their destination. The bad news is that pricing varies wildly. Tests can run anywhere from several dollars to several hundred dollars, which can make travel budgeting a bit of a nightmare.

American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines have all developed resources to provide passengers with international testing information. American is doing so with the VeriFly app , a global health pass that allows users to more easily upload their health data.

Through its United app, United has added a feature called the “ Travel-Ready Center ” (located in the “My Trips” section of the app or online at United.com ). Once passengers access the Travel-Ready Center, they can identify COVID-19 travel requirements for upcoming trips, find local testing options, and upload proof of test results (as well as vaccination status).

Delta, too, has developed an easy COVID-19 testing search function on its website through which travelers can find testing center locations in numerous global destinations.

How to find a COVID test in the U.S. to travel internationally

First and foremost, you need to make sure you’re up to date on the latest entry requirements for the country or countries you plan to visit, or even just enter—there’s never been a better time to fly nonstop. As we have seen throughout the pandemic, these rules can change very quickly at times.

Again, the U.S. State Department’s country-specific COVID-19 advisories are a great place to start to find up-to-date entry rules and requirements. We have also rounded up our favorite interactive map tools that provide updated global COVID-19 travel information.

Once you know what’s required, whether you need a PCR or antigen test, for example, and within what time frame (between two and three days, or 48 to 72 hours, is the most common requirement), you can begin to track down testing options near you.

Mail-in COVID self tests

COVID testing throughout the U.S. is patchy at best in terms of availability and reliability, and it varies enormously from city to city, county to county, and state to state. Earlier this month, President Biden announced that at-home COVID tests will become more available and will be covered by private insurance plans. Additional details will be available in January, but there are a few home or self tests that travelers can stock up on with mail-in options that may qualify for health insurance reimbursement and that satisfy certain international government requirements for entry. (Of course, if the COVID test entry requirement is a very tight time frame—say, two or three days prior to travel—these mail-in options might not work.)

Note that these tests can be used for travel from the U.S. to international destinations that will accept the results , not the other way around. The tests that work for inbound travel to the U.S. from abroad were mentioned above and were reviewed by AFAR editors.

Here are some of the options we have found for self tests that could work for travel:

• EverlyWell COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit DTC ($109 per test, or discounted for $81.75 with code GIVEMORE): This FDA-authorized PCR test is delivered within two to eight business days of order, so it should be ordered at least a couple of weeks before travel. Once you receive it, take the self-administered test and mail it the same day using the included overnight delivery label. Upon receiving the sample, the lab will provide results within 24 to 48 hours.
• Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 Test At-Home Collection Kit ($119 per test): An FDA-authorized PCR test that is typically delivered within two days of order. The self test includes a FedEx overnight label that travelers use to send the sample back to the lab, where results are processed within one to two days.
• LetsGetChecked COVID-19 Pre-Flight Test & Lab Report ($109 per test): A home testing kit that travelers can order in advance. The company advises at least five days prior to travel (but why not stock up even earlier than that?). After collecting the sample yourself using a nasal swab, you then send it to the lab with a prepaid next-day delivery label, and results can be expected within 24 to 72 hours after arriving in the lab. This is also an FDA-authorized PCR test.

In-person COVID testing options in the U.S.

Large pharmacy chains such as CVS and Walgreens , healthcare networks, and county and state health agencies are among the numerous entities that offer COVID testing but not always with the guarantee of receiving results within a specific two- or three-day window. Travelers may need to rely on pricier local private providers and urgent care centers (such as CityMD and Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York and COVIDCheckToday in Southern California, Denver, Las Vegas, and Miami) to get a test for travel quickly. DMCOVID-19 Test is a nationwide testing service that does house calls and offers same- and next-day results—for a hefty fee; same-day services will run you around $300 and next-day around $220.

Getting tested at the airport

Another option (or backup option if waiting until just before departure is a little too nerve wracking for you) is to get tested at the airport.

XpresSpa Group’s XpresCheck brand now has COVID-19 testing locations at 11 U.S. airports, including Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Dulles, Houston, Newark, New York (JFK), Phoenix, Seattle, and San Francisco. Services include a standard PCR test with results within 48 to 96 hours (for $75) and a rapid PCR test with results within 60 minutes (for a much heftier $250). Beyond XpresCheck, countless U.S. airports have their own testing facilities as well now, so travelers can look into options at their local hub.

U.S. airports that have COVID testing facilities include:

• Los Angeles International Airport
• Oakland International Airport
• San Diego International Airport
• Connecticut’s Bradley International Airport
• Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport
• Miami International Airport
• Tampa International Airport
• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu, Hawai‘i)
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport
• Chicago Midway International Airport
• Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport
• New York’s LaGuardia Airport
• Portland International Airport
• Philadelphia International Airport
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

What happens if you test positive?

“If you were to test positive for COVID-19 while overseas, you would need to postpone your trip back to the United States, potentially for several weeks. All travelers should have a plan B,” the U.S. State Department’s Acting Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, Ian Brownlee, said during a January 26 media briefing when the testing requirement for international travelers entering the U.S. was first introduced.

Brownlee noted that U.S. travelers should consider where they would stay, the cost of an extended stay, and the repercussions they would face if they could not immediately return, whether for work, for childcare issues, or other responsibilities.

“Think through the answers to these important questions carefully” prior to committing to travel plans, Brownlee said. Another recommendation he has for international travelers: Consider travel insurance that covers COVID-19 medical treatments and COVID-19 related travel disruptions.

And the same goes for outbound travel—travelers need to consider what kind of safeguards they have in place, including the cancellation policies for all components of their trip, in the event that they or anyone in their travel group tests positive before flying out.

>> Next: The Best Travel Plan This Holiday Season: A Backup Plan

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How Do I Get a PCR Test in Time for Travel?

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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Although the United States accepts certain rapid tests for travel, there are plenty of other destinations that require a PCR test for entry—which can present a serious problem for travelers. Given the current shortage of PCR tests, finding an available appointment can be an impossible challenge—and then you might not even get your results back within the 72 hour window that most destinations require. So how can you get a PCR test in time for your flight? We’ve found some options for travelers. 

One warning: Be prepared to pay for the convenience of getting a PCR test back in time for your flight. Most health insurance plans do not cover COVID tests for travel, and many rapid PCR test providers will charge extra for quick results. 

Rapid PCR Tests

Check to see if your destination accepts rapid PCR tests. These RT-PCR tests offer PCR accuracy but results can be delivered quickly (sometimes in less than an hour). Rapid PCR testing sites can be found at many airports, but if you don’t have an appointment, lines can be extremely long (and you won’t be guaranteed to be able to get a test, no matter how long you wait), so schedule in advance if you can.

What Do You Need for Documentation of Recovery from COVID to Enter the U.S.?

XpresCheck operates many of the airport testing locations, and they offer Rapid PCR tests for $250 with results in as little as 60 minutes. Appointments can be booked online. 

CVS Minute Clinic

Some CVS Minute Clinics offer Rapid PCR tests, which promise results “within hours.” However, appointments for these tests are extremely limited, so you may struggle to actually book one. Lab tests cost $139 out of pocket. 

Urgent Care

Try your local Urgent Care center, as many are now offering rapid PCR test options. Make sure you call or book online (rather than just showing up) as wait times are extremely long at most Urgent Care centers across the United States.

10 COVID Travel Tips from Public Health Experts

PCR Tests With Fast Turnaround Times

Currently, many PCR testing locations are taking up to a week to return results. If you need results quickly for travel, there are some companies that specialize in COVID tests for travel, promising to get results back within a certain time frame.

If you’re relying on a test that requires you to mail in a sample (or doesn’t guarantee results in a certain amount of time), you may wish to book a second test with another company just in case your first one doesn’t come back in time. 

Amazon COVID-19 Test Collection Kit DTC

Even Amazon has gotten into the COVID test game, offering a FDA authorized PCR test for $39.99. This is a mail-in test, but Amazon claims you will get results within 24 hours of the sample arriving at the lab. However, this means you could be cutting it close for getting results in time for your flight if there are any mail delays. 

Passport Health

Passport Health focuses on providing tests specifically for travel or to return to work/school. They do not generally offer tests to symptomatic individuals or close contacts, meaning it may be easier to find a PCR appointment here than at other overwhelmed testing centers. Passport Health has locations in: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New JErsey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C. 

However, note that Passport Health does not guarantee results within 72 hours. 

5 Apps You Need for COVID-19 Travel

Looking for a RT-PCR test for Hawaii? Azova offers two easy options, both are which approved for the Hawaii Safe Travels Program. Choose from an in-person test for $119 or an at-home saliva RT-PCR test (with video observation) for $114.99. Be sure to follow Azova’s guidelines on when to book your test in order to get results in time for your test as the at-home test requires you to mail in a sample for processing. 

Same-Day COVID Testing Services

Many local companies have sprung up to meet the needs of travelers who need rapid PCR test results. If you Google: “Same-day PCR tests near me” you should be able to find a clinic or concierge medical service that will guarantee COVID results in time for travel. Some will even send a technician to your house to collect your sample, saving you the time and hassle of going to get a test. Of course, these concierge services tend to be pricey, and you can expect to pay anywhere between $150-$450 for these tests. 

Here are some examples of same-day PCR testing companies:

• Innovative Express Care , Chicago
• Longwood Health , Boston
• Carecube , New York CIty
• Drip Hydration , Various locations

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PCR tests for travel: everything you need to know

Oct 26, 2021 • 6 min read

Which type of COVID-19 test do you need to travel? © Ergin Yalcin / Getty Images

Since the pandemic began in March 2020, PCR tests, antigen tests, and LAMP tests have all entered the common lexicon. But what’s the difference between all of the ways to test for COVID-19 and which one do you need to travel? 

It’s a labyrinth of acronyms and technologies, but getting it wrong when traveling can be a real headache of denied boarding ⁠—or even being sent back to where you came from. We explain what they all are, when you need them and how to find them when you’re on the road. 

What’s a PCR test and why do I need one?

A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test looks for genetic material within a sample via a process that takes a matter of hours. For COVID-19 purposes, it amplifies the sample taken from your nose, throat or saliva to try to find genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19. If the test finds that material, you have or have recently had the disease. The Cleveland Clinic has some further explanations of how PCR tests work .

PCR is usually officially called RT-PCR (RT for Reverse Transcription) and is one of a group of Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) that include a variety of methods—NEAR, TMA, LAMP, HDA, CRISPR, and SDA—all of which are explained well by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . But all you really need to know for travel is what the relevant country you’re traveling to wants.

Use government websites to check for the latest entry requirements to your destination, or check out our Health Hub . In practice, you may need either a specific PCR or other kind of NAAT test to travel internationally. Many countries require a recent negative test in order to enter, with some even requiring testing for vaccinated travelers. Do check carefully, and either print out or screenshot the requirements so you can confirm that you’ve got it right with whoever is administering your pre-departure test.

Some countries require that tests be conducted by a healthcare provider like a doctor, nurse or pharmacist, while others are fine with the kits that let you swab yourself and mail a pack off to the lab for testing.

Some countries also require you to take another test after your arrival. You’ll want to check, but in this case the cheaper at-home, mail-off test kits might save you some money⁠—although if you have to quarantine until you get the result it’s faster to get swabbed in a healthcare setting with its own lab.

How is a PCR test different from other tests: antigen, LAMP, TMA or others?

PCR tests differ from others in what they’re testing for and how they process the sample. In many cases, the actual sample extraction from your nose, throat or saliva can be the same—it’s what’s done with it that counts.

But besides the common PCR test, some destinations accept antigen tests , which look for specific molecules on the surface of the virus. These are much faster—it might take 15–30 minutes for most of them—and come either as home test kits or in a healthcare setting like a pharmacy, test centre or doctor’s office. 

By and large, only antigen tests administered by a healthcare provider, with the written documentation you’ll receive, are considered valid for travel purposes. Bring the requirements of your destination country with you when you book the test to make sure. 

Read more: Everything you need to know about the EU's digital COVID-19 certificate 

As more destinations introduce vaccine passes to enter cultural sites and restaurants, some countries⁠—like France and Spain⁠—also accept recent antigen tests for the Digital COVID certificate. 

Where can I get a PCR—or antigen—test for travel?

Whether you’re entering a country or returning home, you may have to provide written proof of a PCR or antigen test over the last 24, 48 or 72 hours. Note that this validity window for PCR and antigen tests may well be different based on where you’re going. 

Antigen tests are widely available at pharmacies, with results within 15-30 minutes, but tests for travel purposes may incur charges—and tests for public health purposes may not give you the right paperwork for travel. 

PCR tests are less widely available and take longer, so you’ll want to do some more planning. In many countries you should be able to get a PCR test with documentation for travel at a pharmacy⁠—but be aware that in many places these are still quite expensive. If you’re struggling to find somewhere that provides tests, you could contact your airline and see if they can help. 

Check your own country’s embassy in your destination, that country’s embassy in your own country, as well as the relevant airlines and airports to get more information on tests. 

How do I get a PCR test abroad?

Since PCR tests take longer and require more equipment than an antigen test, it can be harder to find them. Given varying requirements that the test be conducted within one, two or three days, if you need a test to travel, it’s best to have one done in a healthcare setting (ideally at a lab) than using an at-home mail-in kit. 

The US Department of Health & Human Services maintains a list of community-based testing sites in the US , while the UK government maintains a list for arrival tests that may also be useful for passengers departing the UK . 

France, too, has a COVID test location database that allows you to search by location and to choose PCR, antigen or both. Germany does as well, broken out by region . Use a translation app or ask at your hotel for help.

For other countries, run a web search like “COVID travel test”, PCR or antigen, and the country name, but make sure you aren’t tripped up by private companies gaming the search results.

Can I take a PCR or antigen test at home for travel, or bring a test with me?

Most countries don’t accept self-administered tests for travel. That said, there are some options where you bring a test with you and book a video call with a healthcare professional who monitors you when taking the test—either then sent off to a lab for a PCR test or developed where you are for an antigen test.

On balance, with both PCR tests and antigen tests widely available in many locations, this seems like a lot of extra overhead, together with the possibility of tests going astray in the post. 

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub .

You may also like:  What is a vaccine passport and do I need one to travel? What is the IATA Travel Pass and do I need it to travel? What happens if I'm denied entry to a country on arrival?

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Where to get a COVID-19 test for travel

Going on a trip? Don't forget your COVID-19 test.

As more and more people get their vaccinations , the desire to travel grows stronger , fueled largely by the declining cases of COVID-19. The world is starting to feel a little bit safer. 

If you're preparing to cure your cabin fever, don't forget that you need proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to many destinations -- and to get back into the US, if you plan on traveling abroad . 

Though COVID-19 tests aren't in short supply anymore, some places still won't test you if you don't have symptoms or known exposure. That said, there are plenty of locations you can get tested for COVID-19 before traveling, as detailed below.

Community testing centers

Chances are, there's a park or parking lot near you reserved for drive-through COVID-19 testing. Some community testing sites are managed by state or local governments, others are managed through private companies and others may be a partnership between the two.

Color , for example, is a medical testing company that has several community testing sites across California.

To find community testing sites near you, check your local department of health website. If you can't find a testing site that way, a quick Google search of "COVID-19 testing near me" or "COVID-19 testing in [city]" should do the trick. 

You may have to pay for a test at a community testing center, because tests are generally reserved for people who have symptoms (and recreational travel is still not encouraged). However, some testing sites may offer free tests even if you don't have symptoms. 

A drive-through test might be the most convenient option.

Urgent care

Most urgent care centers offer both PCR and rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. You can check the website of local urgent care centers or call to find out if testing is available. Most cities have multiple urgent care centers, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding a test this way. Again, whether or not you pay depends on each urgent care center's particular policy. 

Doctor's offices and clinics

Your primary care provider may be willing to test you for COVID-19 if you don't have symptoms, although your insurance may not cover the test or the cost of the office visit for this purpose. It can't hurt to ask. 

Passport Health , a travel medicine and immunization agency with clinics across the US, offers COVID-19 testing specifically for travel. The agency has locations in 33 states .

Your primary care provider may offer you a COVID-19 test for travel.

Most large pharmacy chains offer COVID-19 testing for travel, but you'll probably have to pay out of pocket. Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid all have COVID-19 tests available for travel. The exact cost you incur may vary, but out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 tests generally hover between $100 and $150.

Kroger and Walmart pharmacies also offer COVID-19 testing in some states, and the same rule applies: The test is free if you have symptoms, but you have to pay for travel, recreation or simply peace of mind. 

If you go to a local pharmacy (not a chain), give the location a call to see if they offer COVID-19 testing for travel. There's a good chance they will have tests available, but it might cost more to get one from an independent business versus a large corporation. 

Medical labs

Cut out the middleman and head straight for a medical laboratory for your COVID-19 test. Quest Diagnostics, the lab where many tests go for processing anyway, offers drive-through COVID-19 testing . The lab requires you to pay for the test if you aren't showing symptoms. 

Curative is a new medical lab that was founded in January 2020 to develop a new type of sepsis test. The company quickly pivoted to making COVID-19 tests that March, and it now offers COVID-19 testing at more than 10,000 locations throughout the US. Curative processes all of its tests at its labs in San Dimas, California; Pflugerville, Texas; and Washington, DC.

Some travel destinations offer COVID-19 tests for guests. Call your destination to see if they offer return testing -- that is, the test you need to get back into the US. Keep in mind you still need to arrange your own test to get to your destination.  

Many airports offer travel COVID-19 tests for passengers. Whether or not it'll cost you depends on a number of factors, including what entity, exactly, is providing the test; whether or not they bill health insurance; and whether people showing symptoms are prioritized. 

To find out if the airport you're flying out of offers COVID-19 testing, search the airport's official website. You may also have some luck checking the website of your preferred airline. Delta has a handy tool where you can find a list of airport testing locations based on the country you're traveling from. United has information specific to certain cities and countries. 

Just keep in mind that some airports might not offer rapid tests, which means you shouldn't wait until the day of your flight to get your test. Not only could you miss your flight due to a long line, but if you can't get rapid results, you may not be able to board at all.

You may be able to find a COVID-19 test at the airport, but don't bank on getting your results immediately before your flight.

If you have some time to spare, consider buying an at-home COVID-19 collection kit instead of venturing out for a test. 

There are more than 10 at-home COVID-19 tests available for people without symptoms or known exposure, including those from Everlywell, LetsGetChecked and Picture from Fulgent Genetics. 

You can even order one on Amazon or call your local drugstore to see if they're stocking the new over-the-counter COVID-19 test from Ellume . 

From the time you order one of these tests, it'll take five to seven days to get your results, so this option is best for people who plan ahead. 

At home with a health care professional

Ready , a new urgent care telehealth platform backed by GV, Google's investment arm, offers in-home rapid COVID-19 testing. Book your appointment online and a qualified health professional will show up at your door to administer the test. You can also mail-order a test and take it while a health care worker supervises via a video call.  

BeeperMD offers a similar service, but only in Florida at this time. 

At-home kits are a good option for people who have time to spare before their trip.

When to get your COVID-19 test for travel 

Time -- or more accurately, timing -- is of the essence when it comes to getting a COVID-19 test for travel. The exact guidelines you need to follow will vary based on where you're going, where you're coming from and whether or not you're visiting multiple locations. 

In general, it's a good idea to take your COVID-19 test so that you receive results within three days of travel. This means you can take a rapid antigen test 24 to 72 hours before traveling or you can take a PCR test four to six days before travel. PCR tests usually take 24 to 72 hours to process.

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COVID-19 Test (At-Home Collection Kit)

Get a covid-19 pcr home collection kit to find out if you have covid-19..

We'll send you an at-home collection kit to collect your nasal swab and ship it back to our lab.  

Our lab will perform a PCR test on your sample for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus (also called COVID-19).  It’s easy. We’ll send you an at-home collection kit to collect your nasal swab sample. Use the prepaid shipping label to send your kit back to our lab for testing. The average time to deliver results is currently 1-2 days from when your sample is received at the lab. Our labs process samples seven days a week. Check with your local FedEx for pick up and drop off locations. 

Note: This test is not a rapid test—it is a PCR test. The average time to deliver results is currently 1-2 days from when your sample is received at the lab. Our labs process samples seven days a week. Check with your local FedEx for pick up and drop off locations.  

Labcorp offers in-person testing at many of our Labcorp locations for travel, event, or gatherings for individuals who are symptom-free and have no known exposure.  

See Additional COVID-19 Testing Options >

Labcorp OnDemand offers this test and collection kit with an FDA Emergency Use Authorization. This means that while the laboratory performing this test has validation data to support offering this test and the collection kit, neither have been approved or cleared by the FDA.  This test has only been authorized by FDA for detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 (i.e., the COVID-19 virus), and not for any other virus or pathogen.  It is only authorized during the duration of the COVID-19 emergency declaration by federal regulators. Labcorp may modify or cease to offer the test and the test kit upon direction of state or federal regulators in its sole discretion.  Please see the Patient Fact Sheet and the Health Care Provider Fact Sheet for additional information.

Test Details

Preparation : No special preparation is needed.

AVAILABLE FOR AGES 2 AND UP

Kid-Friendly COVID-19 Testing

When your child or teenager needs to get a PCR test for travel, summer activities, or possible infection, Labcorp OnDemand makes it easy. Sample collection is comfortable for your child with a short nasal swab taken in your own home.

Confidence in your results, with the gold standard

Detects known variants, gold standard, 60m+ pcr tests performed, trusted by doctors.

*If your test is positive for COVID-19 or flu, you may be contacted by a trusted third-party physician network (PWN) to discuss next steps.

**Source: CDC

<p>*If your test is positive for COVID-19 or flu, you may be contacted by a trusted third-party physician network (PWN) to discuss next steps.<br /> </p> <p>**Source: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/resources/antigen-tests-guidelines.html" target="_blank">CDC</a></p>

How It Works

Purchase your test kit.

Simply purchase this test online and we’ll ship a kit to you within 1-2 business days. A healthcare provider will review and approve your test requests; no healthcare provider visit required.

Collect Your Sample 

Send your sample in, get your results.

View your easy-to-read results online in your Labcorp Patient™ account, including  Linked Accounts . For certain results that require prompt attention, you will also be contacted by phone or mail.

Does this test detect the variants?

We have been regularly tracking variants of the virus throughout the pandemic to provide information to the CDC. The sensitivity of our PCR test is not impacted by the following known variants.  

• Alpha (B.1.1.7, Q.1-Q.8)
• Beta (B.1.351, B.1.351.2, B.1.351.3)
• Delta (B.1.617.2)
• Gamma (P.1, P.1.1, P.1.2)
• Lambda (C.37)
• Mu (B.1.621)
• Omicron (B.1.1.529, BA.2, BA.4, BA.5, BQ variants)

*The variant information will not be included in your results report. For a full list of variants detected by the Labcorp PCR test, visit Labcorp.com .

What type of test is this?

The Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 at-home kit is a molecular test, also known as a reverse polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). This test detects the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

How much is this test?

This collection kit is $79 and intended for individuals ages 2 or older looking to get tested for an active infection.

What will my results tell me?

Your test results will confirm whether or not you are infected with SARS-CoV-2. If your results are positive, it is important to limit your exposure to other people and continue to monitor your symptoms. If your results are negative, the virus was not present in the sample you provided. However, it is important to note that the virus may not be detected by the test in early stages of infection. Furthermore, the virus may not be detected if the sample is not collected as directed. If you have reason to believe you have been exposed, it is important to follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation, get re-tested, and follow isolation or quarantine precautions as recommended.

After receiving your results, you will have the opportunity to speak with a licensed physician who can answer any questions you may have about your test results and help determine next steps in care.

How is COVID-19 treated?

Though patients can recover from COVID-19 on their own, some patients are at risk for becoming seriously ill. There are now treatments available to assist with COVID-19 recovery, such as monoclonal antibodies, oral antivirals, or hospital treatments like antiviral drugs or convalescent plasma. Talk to your doctor and visit the  HHS website  for more information.

Where can I find out more about COVID-19?

Check out our COVID-19 FAQs for more information. You can also find out more at the links below:  

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019
• World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic

What are some emergency symptom/next steps information?

If you feel like you are having a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.  

If you are experiencing severe trouble breathing; continuous pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen; feeling confused; having difficulty waking up or staying awake; pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds; seizures; being unable to urinate; severe muscle pain or weakness; fever or cough that improves but then returns or worsens; worsening of medical conditions; or any other emergency signs or symptoms, please seek immediate medical care.

If your condition changes before you are able to obtain the test or the test result, please visit your local emergency room as soon as possible.

What is changing with the Public Health Emergency?

The federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 which was declared under Section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, is ending at the end of the day on May 11, 2023.

Following changes to the public health emergency, the requirements for how commercial insurers must cover COVID-19 tests will change.  Likewise, there are changes to requirements for government programs for coverage of this testing.

Individuals will be responsible for the full cost of COVID-19 testing at the time of purchase effective on May 12, 2023.

If you submit your test to Labcorp after May 11, 2023, and are relying on commercial insurance or a government program benefit to pay for COVID-19 testing, you may be responsible for payment for the test in accordance with their new coverage policies.  To learn more about your coverage, please check with your insurance company or government program on their policy.

A separate COVID-19 PHE will remain in effect, allowing tests and other products, including vaccines, to continue to be offered. A termination date for that PHE has not yet been announced.   

See Public Health Emergency Expiration FAQs for more information.

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COVID-19 can present with severe illness in individuals of any age and without any previous health problems, but the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at highest risk. Having underlying medical conditions may also increase one’s risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Conditions and other risk factors that may be associated with severe illness and death are listed below. 

If you have any symptoms concerning for COVID-19 and any of the following conditions or risk factors, which may put you at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, you should consult with your healthcare provider before using this test: 

Chronic kidney disease 

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) 

Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines 

Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 or higher) 

Serious heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies 

Sickle cell disease 

Type 2 diabetes mellitus 

Asthma (moderate-to-severe) 

Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain) 

Cystic fibrosis 

Hypertension or high blood pressure 

Neurologic conditions, such as dementia 

Liver disease 

Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues) 

Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder) 

Type 1 diabetes mellitus 

Regardless of your risk status, if you are experiencing any of the following emergency warning signs for COVID-19, it is recommended that you immediately seek emergency care: 

Trouble breathing 

Persistent pain or pressure in the chest 

New confusion 

Inability to wake up or stay awake 

Bluish lips or face 

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How Much Should It Cost to Get Tested for COVID-19?

U.S. rules allow labs to charge whatever they want for tests, and companies are making billions as the latest spike in cases strains testing availability

The next time you get tested for COVID-19 , it might cost $130, $385, or no money at all. Some labs tack on additional fees such as those for “specimen collection”—the act of inserting a cotton-tipped plastic swab in your nose for a few seconds. Others may even bundle together several tests for almost a thousand dollars. 

The Wild West system that has evolved during the two-year-old pandemic allows labs and testing facilities to charge whatever the market will bear, fueling a multibillion-dollar industry. Perhaps you will have to fork over the money yourself, or your insurance will pay, or the government will cover the cost.

And the current U.S. rules allow for-profit, pop-up sites offering simple rapid tests to operate without any experience in health care or science.

“These companies are taking advantage of the limited supply of COVID tests to make money,” says Ge Bai, PhD, a professor of accounting at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School who has studied the price of COVID-19 tests. “The limited supply, caused by suboptimal public health policymaking, creates this very attractive market opportunity for businesses to exploit.”

By early January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had recorded more than 735 million COVID-19 tests during the pandemic , with almost 60 million coming up positive. And this number of tests excludes simpler antigen tests, which you can do at home or at a testing center.

Amid the latest surge caused by the omicron variant, getting tested remains surprisingly difficult and time-consuming. “The key issue is the supply,” says Joshua Sharfstein, MD, vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “When tests are scarce, and their use is not directed by public health authorities, the price in the private sector is likely to rise.”

“Our healthcare system is well-acquainted with the concept of making a profit from diagnostic testing, so it’s no surprise that some have found a way to do so,” he adds. “The good news is that in many areas, public health departments are delivering free tests to communities with poor access otherwise.”

For COVID-19 Test Prices, the Sky’s the Limit

When Congress passed the more than $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March 2020, it required health insurance companies to pay whatever price labs advertise on their websites for medically appropriate testing. That essentially means that insurers must pay if you feel symptoms or were exposed to someone with the virus. The law does not set any upper price limit. 

In addition, the rules allow anyone, in a few easy steps, to offer rapid antigen tests, the same kind you can buy over the counter in a pharmacy. Such tests can be processed quickly on the spot with simple equipment, as opposed to more accurate molecular tests (such as PCR) which require lab processing with expensive machines.

On average, COVID-19 tests cost $130 within an insurance company’s network, and $185 out of network, according to a July 2021 study by America’s Health Insurance Plans, an industry trade group. Seven percent of labs charged more than $390 for a test. “Price gouging on COVID-19 tests by certain providers continues to be a widespread problem, threatening patients’ ability to get the testing they need,” the group said in a press release.

A Peterson Center on Healthcare and Kaiser Family Foundation study of prices at 93 hospitals in April 2021 found COVID-testing prices ranging from $20 to $1,419, not including additional fees such as those for specimen collection, which ranged from $18 to $240. Consumer Reports detailed the problem in July 2020 in an article titled “ How ‘Free’ Coronavirus Testing Has Become the New Surprise Medical Bill .”

Since then, several state attorneys general and other officials have also warned of COVID-testing scams, telling consumers to be on the lookout for tests that are not just overpriced but also may yield unreliable results. “Unfortunately, scam artists seeking to take advantage of the increase in demand will attempt to con hardworking Georgians into paying for fake tests,” Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said in a late December statement . “Do your research to ensure you are visiting a legitimate operation and receiving results from a valid provider.”

Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Health outlines a series of COVID-19 scams and fraud , including “an imposter posed as an American Red Cross volunteer going door-to-door offering home COVID-19 testing. They were really trying to gain entry and rob residents.”

Newcomers to the Market

The potential to earn money while offering a needed service has attracted many COVID-testing newcomers, some without a background in science or medicine. For example, the co-owners of the parent company of GS Labs, which is based in Omaha, Neb. and started testing in October 2020, previously invested in real estate, car dealerships, and car washes. GS Labs now operates in seven U.S. Midwest and Northwest states.

The lab group, which is licensed to perform both rapid and PCR tests, charges $380 for a rapid antigen test made by CareStart that has sold for $24 for a two-pack at Rite Aid. Starting on January 15, the price difference becomes even more dramatic when new federal government rules oblige health insurance companies to pay for up to eight at-home tests per person per month for their customers.

Several insurance companies have refused to reimburse GS Labs for such high prices, resulting in lawsuits and countersuits.

“GS Labs charges extraordinarily high prices ranging from $380 to $979 per test,” Premera Blue Cross alleged in a lawsuit filed in October. “These prices are in some cases ten times higher than those charged by other labs. Under normal circumstances, GS Labs would have no expectation that any insurer would pay its extraordinarily high prices.”

GS Labs officials say they have invested many millions to provide an important service by making testing more widely available, and say the insurance companies have acted unfairly in not paying them as mandated by the CARES Act.

“People think we’re getting paid $380. We’re not. Nobody’s paying us that $380 from insurance,” says GS Labs operating partner Kirk Thompson. “In some scenarios, it’s a starting point for negotiations, and we negotiate a much lower rate with them. But in the vast majority of circumstances they just refuse to pay us.”

“If providers are not getting reimbursed, they can’t continue to provide the service, and that puts the country at jeopardy,” Thompson says. “We need testing accessibility right now.”

The CEO of Alliance Health, which charges $150 for a rapid test and $175 to $395 for a PCR test in Florida and New York, is also CEO of Lice Troopers , a company that removes hair lice. The two companies operate in many of the same cities such as Glen Cove, N.Y., and Plantation, Fla. One local television station reported that the companies used one facility in Plantation, Fla., to remove lice and test patients for COVID-19 at the same time.

Alliance/Lice Troopers CEO Arie Harel did not respond to requests for comment, nor did Alliance Vice President Daniel Harel.

Billions for the Big Companies

Even the big medical testing and medical devices companies offering tests at relatively standard prices are seeing a surge in revenue due to overwhelming demand.

Abbott, a leading maker of COVID-19 tests, says it is now making 70 million tests a month. The company reported more than $5 billion in global COVID-related sales in the first nine months of 2021. Rival Thermo Fisher Scientific made more than $6.8 billion in sales on COVID-19 testing and treatment over the same period.

In a May 2021 earnings call , the CEO of Quidel, a testing company based in San Diego, called the Food and Drug Administration’s authorization of its home COVID-19 testing kit “the most significant inflection point for our company.”

Among the big lab testing companies, Quest Diagnostics, which charges $125 for a molecular test, said in October that it expected to make more money in 2021 than earlier forecast because of higher rates of COVID-19 testing. Labcorp, which has performed more than 50 million COVID-19 tests to date, reported 2020 revenue of almost $2.8 billion from COVID-19 testing.

The health insurance industry and some experts say some testing operations are charging too much. Officials at both Quest and Labcorp declined to answer directly whether it was ethical for private companies to make a large profit for COVID-19 tests, given the dire public health need. Rather, each company issued general statements.

“We are proud of the critical role we have played throughout the health crisis and for serving as a trusted source of information when the world needed it most,” Labcorp said in a statement to Consumer Reports.  

Quest Diagnostics said the company was “at the forefront of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, working to broaden access to laboratory insights to help us all lead healthier lives.”

Of course, under the for-profit U.S. medical system, companies make money from whatever ailment they are treating. “Whether it’s a COVID test or a Band-Aid, pretty much everything that happens in a hospital is going to cost more than it seems it should,” says Cynthia Cox, vice president at the Kaiser Family Foundation. “Some of this is to cover their staff and overhead costs, but some of it is for profits.”

The potential for windfalls from the epidemic prompted comedian Conan O’Brien to tweet on New Year’s Day , “Any day now we’ll be reading about the new ‘nasal swab’ billionaire.”

Setting Up Your Own COVID-19 Testing Lab

The 1988 Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulates the 260,000 labs in the U.S., but an exception allows anyone with the right paperwork to offer relatively simple tests, such as for cholesterol or glucose monitoring. Even Theranos, which spent hundreds of millions of dollars trying to devise an easier blood test in what turned out to be a spectacular failure, had obtained what is known as a CLIA waiver.

During the epidemic, this waiver possibility has allowed anyone to set up shop and earn money off the COVID-19 testing bonanza if they administer only rapid antigen tests available over the counter. Newcomers need only apply for a federal waiver and comply with any additional state rules, such as individual licensing requirements. 

“Anyone can obtain a CLIA Waiver,” says Dana Stillwagon, CLIA supervisor at West Virginia’s Office of Laboratory Services. “The process includes an application and payment, and applications are typically processed within five days.”

Such test sites do not need a white-coated clinician, modern machines or test tubes to conduct antigen tests—the same tests you can buy at a pharmacy or online and do in your bedroom. All you have to do is swab a nose or mouth, mix the sample with a solution, and then put it on a paper strip. In about 15 minutes, the search for coronavirus antigens shows either a positive or negative result via a colored line, a process much like a home pregnancy test.

“The rapid antigen tests are usually categorized as ‘waived’ tests, meaning they are the least regulated and have the fewest quality control requirements under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments,” says Mark Birenbaum, PhD, executive director of the National Independent Laboratory Association, a community and regional lab trade association based in St. Louis.

The test is simple enough that previous medical experience is not required. When Alliance Health recently advertised a job (on Lice Troopers’ LinkedIn page) for “ Mobile COVID-19 Tester/Swabber ,” its requested qualifications included: “Willing to drive company van to assigned locations as needed. Prior customer service experience. Healthcare experience is a plus. Strong communication skills. Comfortable working under minimal supervision.”

But even with a simple antigen test, a result can be invalid or misleading if the sample is not collected properly. They sometimes fail to detect COVID-19 early on, or in someone without any symptoms. They may also be less sensitive in detecting the omicron variant, the FDA said in late December.

The Most Accurate Test

The most precise gauge of COVID-19 is a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, with an estimated 98 percent accuracy. But because these tests require processing on expensive lab machinery, they take longer and cost more.

In a PCR test, a small amount of DNA is extracted, typically via a swab inside your nose or from saliva. Then a healthcare worker mixes the DNA with various substances and uses a machine called a thermal cycler to heat and cool the sample 20 to 40 times to produce millions of copies of the original DNA. By amplifying the DNA, the PCR process can detect even tiny amounts of RNA sequences unique to COVID-19.

The test kits themselves are not expensive—$29 from test maker Abbott, according to spokesperson Kim Modory. But the machines to process the results typically cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars, with the high-end models handling many samples at the same time.

Processing the samples can take from less than an hour to a few hours, but you will usually have to wait a day or two for your results. That’s because labs prefer to run many samples at the same time, much as you usually run a dishwasher full of pots and plates rather than with a single bowl and spoon after breakfast.

“If you went in and said, ‘Oh my God, you know, you drew my specimen at three o’clock this afternoon, and it takes you, let’s say, 2 to 4 hours to run it through the machine, I should have my result by eight o’clock,’” says Birenbaum at the National Independent Laboratory Association. “Well, if they just took your specimen and ran it through the machine, yeah. But they’re waiting for other specimens. And so they might not run it until midnight, when they get the other specimens with it. And that just makes the whole system more efficient.”

Outside analysts say that it is hard to name a standard fair price for a COVID-19 test when factoring in rent, staff, insurance, utilities, and other operational expenses. It is “difficult to answer because people will claim to have lots of sunk costs and admin expenses they need to recoup, but $200 plus is not the right price,” says Niall Brennan, president and CEO of the Health Care Cost Institute, which studies claim data from four participating insurers.

Gregory Price, PhD, a professor of economics at the University of New Orleans, uses a cost-benefit analysis when looking at test prices. “If the test costs $200, but not knowing one is infected results in more than $200 in costs (e.g., out-of-pocket medical costs, lost wages, and even death), paying $200 for a COVID/PCR test is a sound decision,” he says.

Others point to the price Medicare pays labs for PCR tests as a fair baseline: $75 plus an extra $25 if the lab returns more than half of its results within two days. By contrast, a PCR test in Japan can cost as little as $20 .

For easier-to-process antigen tests in testing centers, Medicare pays $35 to $75 dollars, according to a spokeswoman at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“Having just been in Ireland where professionally administered antigen tests in a pharmacy were 35 euros and now in Denmark where it’s all free, it just highlights the for-profit nature of our health care system,” says Brennan at the Health Care Cost Institute. “The government should have massively invested in ensuring every American household has free access to antigen tests—unfortunately, we did not do that.”

The Biden administration recently mandated that insurers must pay for at-home tests in addition to lab tests. So starting January 15, if you buy a home test kit outside your insurer’s network of preferred suppliers, you will be reimbursed up to $12 for as many as eight tests a month (unless more are ordered on doctor’s orders). If your plan does not set up a network of preferred pharmacies, stores and online outlets, the insurer must refund you for whatever the home test costs (yes, the rules on so many things related to COVID are confusing, and they change often).

The government has also announced plans to distribute hundreds of millions of free tests as well.

Before the government expanded plans to pay for more at-home testing in mid January, buying a home antigen test in the U.S. often cost three or four times more than in countries such as Germany and India, where they cost just a few dollars each.

“In Europe, more than 100 rapid tests have been approved,” says Ge Bai, who is also a professor of health policy and management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. “The fierce competition among these tests solved the ‘limited supply’ bottleneck . . . and drives down price precipitously. In contrast, only 15 tests have been approved by the FDA in the U.S.”

“Consumers should demand more over-the-counter test manufacturers be approved as soon as possible,” she adds. “Pitting themselves against each other is the most reliable way to help consumers.”

The FDA responds that it is working as quickly as it can to approve home antigen tests, including two in late December 2021. 

“By balancing speed with safety, we have taken numerous actions to speed public access to accurate and reliable at-home tests,” says FDA spokesman Jim McKinney. “Unfortunately, many submissions the FDA has received for home tests include incomplete or poor data, and it is the FDA’s responsibility to protect the public health by declining to authorize bad tests.”

Should the Government Mandate Prices?

Some insurers also say the U.S. should set prices for lab COVID-19 testing. “Establishing a fixed price would lead to greater transparency and help eliminate the abusive pricing and billing practices some labs have in place,” Premera Blue Cross, the U.S. Northwest’s largest health plan, said in a statement to Consumer Reports.

But economists say the rules of supply and demand that govern U.S. healthcare mean that mandating lower prices could reduce the supply of tests when we need them most.

“More regulation of COVID-testing prices would distort the market and hurt consumers,” says Bai at Johns Hopkins. “For example, capping gasoline prices reduces gas prices immediately but ensures gasoline shortage—nobody will be able to buy gasoline.”

“If the government sets a certain price per test today, the pop-up clinics might close and we will end up with no test, no matter how long we are willing to wait,” she adds. “On the other hand, if there are many rapid tests on the market, the price might drop to the same level as pregnancy tests—30 cents.”

Others, such as Brennan, argue that the most reliable way to help consumers is to have the government make free tests available for everyone. “In Denmark professionally administered tests are free at testing centers that are located all around Copenhagen—it’s so convenient people get tested as a way of life, not just when they have symptoms,” Brennan says.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to include details on the Biden administration’s plan to have insurance companies cover the cost of at-home tests for consumers. It was originally published on January 6, 2022.

Adam Tanner

Adam Tanner is a Consumer Reports contributing editor. He is also the author of “Our Bodies, Our Data: How Companies Make Billions Selling Our Medical Records” and an associate at Harvard's Institute for Quantitative Social Science. 

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What to Know About COVID-19 Testing for Travel

They can offer peace of mind, but most aren't accepted for return to the u.s..

With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  requirement that all travelers coming to the United States provide official proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of their flight, travelers are understandably nervous — and a bit confused — about the whole process.

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Here are some answers to common questions about COVID-19 testing for travel.

What is the hotel testing process like?  Many hotels have the return COVID-19 testing process set up seamlessly. For example, on my recent trip to Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, the Dreams Bahía Mita Surf & Spa Resort gave me COVID-19 testing forms upon check-in, with a testing appointment scheduled the day before my checkout ($35 per test, free for Club Level guests). At my appointment time, masked guests were waiting with their passports in a hallway outside a conference room converted into a testing center. Inside, a nurse from a contracted health provider administered Abbott’s rapid antigen test with a nose swab. I waited semi-nervously to receive the text message about 15 minutes later, which indicated that my test was negative. (If the test comes back positive, the resort offers free quarantine lodging for up to 14 days.) The hotel provided an official form certifying the results (I took a photo of the page for backup). At the Puerto Vallarta airport, I provided my test results form when I checked in and was good to return home.

What are the U.S. testing rules for international travel?

For reentry to the U.S., the CDC requires all air passengers age 2 years and older (including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated passengers) to provide either documentation of a negative test taken within one day of their flight or documentation of recent recovery from  COVID-19 , along with a letter from a health professional certifying that the person is cleared to travel. The test must be an authorized viral antigen or nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).

Note that non-U.S. citizens need to show proof of vaccination prior to their flights to the U.S.  

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How and where can you get tested before your return to the U.S.?

Many international hotels are now offering approved and sometimes free COVID-19 tests for their guests that are almost becoming a standard part of the checkout process (see details of one example in sidebar). Local clinics and some airports offer CDC- and airline-approved tests as well, although costs, availability and timing vary widely — from free to sometimes well over $100 for a test.

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The CDC has started distributing free tests at three international airports around the U.S. (at Minneapolis-St. Paul, Miami and Chicago O'Hare), and has announced plans to expand the giveaways to other airports soon.

Many U.S. embassies, including in Britain, provide lists of approved local testing providers. Airlines also provide information about testing requirements and airport testing options.

Aside from finding an approved test to take (using local guidance from your airline, hotel and/or embassy), the most important step is to manage the timing of your test. If you plan to take a test at the airport, be sure to allow plenty of time for both the test and receiving the results, as wait times can be unpredictable — some travelers are facing long lines during the holiday travel season — and note that the test station may be far from your departure gate.

Can you test yourself?

While rapid off-the-shelf “at-home” (self-administered) antigen tests can provide an initial screening and peace of mind for travelers, they won’t meet the CDC requirements for reentry. ( See our story for more on home testing .)

For a home test to meet CDC reentry requirements, it must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test or antigen test) authorized by the FDA or the government of the country where you are. The test must also have an approved telehealth component that provides real-time supervision — so you’ll need a good Wi-Fi connection to consult with a medical professional from the test manufacturer who will confirm your identity, watch you administer the test and confirm the results.

And the test must be able to produce approved documentation to share with airline and customs officials. The CDC-approved travel reentry tests available online include Abbott’s BinaxNOW Ag Card Home Test ($70 for a two-pack), which will give you results within 15 minutes. The Qured Video Supervised Rapid Test ($45) is similar, with two tests included: The first is done under video supervision; the second, taken without supervision 24-36 hours later, is meant to confirm the result.

For frequent travelers, Cue Health has introduced its own testing device with a membership service. It's $474 for a device plus three tests, or a monthly service beginning at $50. To return to the U.S. after international travel, you'd need the Cue+ Complete membership, which is $90 per month.

What if you just want peace of mind that you don't have COVID-19 before traveling to visit family and friends within the U.S.?

In that case, you can use over-the-counter tests from drugstores. But there have been severe shortages for these quick-and-easy tests, which offer results in less than 15 minutes, as  omicron’s spread has led to a surge in demand .

While many countries have over-the-counter tests available for purchase once you get there, it might be a good idea to bring a few test kits with you (if you can find any). They can provide peace of mind if you are exhibiting symptoms, and save you time searching pharmacies for test kits (or a potentially expensive trip to a clinic at your destination). Again, these over-the-counter tests will not be enough to gain approval for return to the U.S., unless they have the certified telehealth component included.

What happens if you fail your return COVID-19 test?

Regulations for travelers receiving a positive test vary widely by country. Even if you're asymptomatic, you will typically be required to quarantine — either at a government-mandated location or one of your choosing — for at least a week, with a negative test required to exit quarantine. A few countries take care of the cost of quarantine food and lodging, many others do not, and costs can quickly accumulate.

This is the time when you should consider purchasing travel insurance — and choose COVID-19-specific options on your policy. Read the fine print carefully. Given the recent rapid spread of the omicron variant, it certainly would be wise to look into relevant travel insurance options for any international trip. 

A few more tips

· Stay on top of CDC guidance.  Before traveling, be sure to confirm the latest requirements on the  CDC website , and with your airline. You don’t want to be denied access to your return flight with an unapproved test or missing paperwork.

· Check your destination’s testing requirements.  Other countries’ testing and vaccination rules vary widely, but many require visitors to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within three days (some within 24 hours) of travel with approved PCR or antigen tests.  

Editor's note: This article was originally published on December 21, 2021. It's been updated to reflect new information.

Bill Fink is an award-winning travel writer covering global adventures for BBC , Lonely Planet , Thrillist and many other outlets. Follow him @finktravels.

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Get COVID-19 testing, shots at these US airports

Travelers are still flying despite the pandemic dragging on. Some are cutting it close as they struggle to find a test before their flight, while some just haven't had time to get their jabs. Now some U.S. airports are here to help.

Below we take a look at airports that offer COVID-19 health services.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Related: Traveling soon? Here's where you can quickly get a COVID-19 test

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

First Call Medical Center opened a full-service urgent care clinic inside BWI in August 2021. Among the services it offers are myriad COVID-19 tests, said clinic director Dr. Ron Elfenbein. They include rapid COVID antigen, rapid COVID PCR, combined COVID and flu rapid antigen, combined COVID, flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). It also offers strep, flu, RSV, mono, urine and pregnancy testing.

If you still haven't gotten a COVID-19 vaccine, the clinic offers all three – Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer. Test results take from15 minutes to two hours. The clinic is located in Terminal C behind the Jet Blue ticket counter and is open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day.

"We do try to limit vaccines for airport personnel to only three days a week to minimize waste," said Elfenbein. "Once we puncture a vial, if we don't use it all by end of the day, we have to waste the rest."

The BWI clinic is pretty busy, said Elfenbein. "BWI has a big USO lounge and is an active point of embarkation for the U.S. military and they are required to get a PCR test prior to flying," he said. The military does not supply this. We do it for them. We have gone from a low of 30 people a day when we opened to almost 350 a day a few weeks ago. We average somewhere around 130 travelers a day."

Related: 7 reasons to visit Baltimore

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK "strongly" recommends that departing international travelers do their required COVID-19 testing before coming to the airport. But if that's not possible, the airport offers testing in three locations.

Terminal 1, Departures Level (Pre-Security)

Testing is provided by Adams Health Services using the Biomeme SARS-CoV-2 Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test with results available in two to three hours. Antibody testing is also available. Testing is offered from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily.

Terminal 4, Arrivals Level (Pre-Security)

Testing is provided by XpresCheck using the PCR and Rapid RT-PCR tests with results available in as little as an hour. Testing is available from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Terminal 8, Red Parking Garage

Testing is provided by NYC Health + Hospitals using PCR and rapid antigen tests with results available in as little as an hour. The testing site is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.

Related: The best and worst U.S. airports

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Doctors Test Centers, in connection with Simple Laboratories, offers rapid antigen screening and PCR testing at O'Hare. The service will be available for travelers and airport employees for free until the end of 2022. Those who want to take a test need to show proof of flying (either within 72 hours before a flight or five days after) or proof of airport employment.

The COVID-19 testing site at O'Hare is in the Bus Shuttle Center on Level 1 of the main parking garage, between elevator centers 3 and 4​. Travelers can get rapid and PCR tests every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Appointments can be booked in advance online and walk-i​​ns are welcome pending availability.​

The BD rapid antigen test takes five minutes and costs $120. Results are delivered within 20 minutes. The RT-PCR test, which also takes five minutes, costs $145 and results are sent within 72 hours. For more information, check out the airport's website .

Related: Chicago O'Hare versus Midway

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

The airport's testing sites are arranged and funded by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. In turn, the department has contracted with Capstone to offer free PCR testing and all three COVID-19 vaccinations (subject to availability) for anyone 12 years of age or older, including visitors to Alaska from other states or countries. Vaccines for those age 5-11 years old are not available.

While walk-ins are accepted, travelers are encouraged to pre-register using the Alaska Safe Travels app . It can take up to 72 hours to get test results, although when TPG senior news editor Clint Henderson and I traveled to Anchorage on March 21, we had our results the next morning after testing.

The free COVID-19 testing for the traveling public and badged employees is located behind airport security next to Starbucks between the B and C concourse. The vaccination clinic is on the public side of the airport down near the escalator leading to the A gates. Testing and vaccines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Related: Anchorage briefly becomes busiest airport

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

The Minnesota State Department of Health and Vault Health manages free COVID-19 testing at the airport for state residents. The test site is located pre-security in Terminal 1, Level 2 of Blue Ramp. Testing hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. by appointment only, which can be scheduled online . Results are available within 48 hours.

Wanderlust offers COVID-19 testing – antigen, NAAT and RT-PCR – with a quick turnaround in Terminal 1 pre-security, Level 3 of Gold Ramp. The antigen test costs $99, NAAT is $179 and RT-PCR is $199, with results available within an hour. Both walk-ins and appointments are available daily. Hours are Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Saturday, noon to 5:00 p.m.

The Minnesota Department of Health offers free vaccinations in Terminal 1, post-security and Terminal 2, pre-security. Both sites offer Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines and boosters from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily.

Bottom line

These are only some airports that offer COVID-19 testing and vaccines. Go to your local airport's website before your next flight to see if testing or shots are available — and don't forget to check if there's a fee.

Please note: Due to increased travel demand, appointments are limited.

Schedule your test as soon as possible to ensure availability.

COVID-19 Testing

While the pandemic continues to evolve, many destinations, schools and worksites are slowly reopening. To ensure the number of infections are minimized, many of these locations and organizations are requiring visitors, students and employees to show proof that they do not have COVID-19.

Passport Health offers COVID-19 testing at many of its clinics, including those in:

Arkansas , Arizona , California , Colorado , Connecticut , Delaware , Florida , Georgia , Iowa , Illinois , Indiana , Kansas , Kentucky , Louisiana , Massachusetts , Maryland , Michigan , Minnesota , North Carolina , New Jersey , New Mexico , Nevada , New York , Ohio , Oklahoma , Pennsylvania , South Carolina , Tennessee , Texas , Utah , Virginia , Washington , Washington D.C.

Our primary focus is on individuals needing to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test to fly or return to work or school. We generally do not test anyone with an active infection or anyone who has come in contact with someone suspected of having COVID-19. Anyone with an active infection should call an acute care facility or local health agency.

Read on for more information.

Do you offer PCR testing for travel?

Yes. Passport Health offers RT-PCR testing in many, but not all, of its locations. Please contact the location nearest you to learn more.

Do I need a COVID-19 test before my domestic trip?

Some states require proof of a negative PCR test prior to arrival, particularly if travelers are arriving from states with significant COVID-19 spread. Check out Passport Health’s list of domestic travel restrictions or consult your airline.

Do I need a COVID-19 test before my international trip?

Many countries require proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test before allowing entry to travelers. Please see Passport Health’s list of international travel restrictions or consult your airline prior to travel. In many cases, test samples must be collected and negative test results produced within 72 hours of departure or, in some cases, arrival. However, some destinations offer broader windows.

Check with your local Passport Health location to see if testing can accommodate your specific travel requirements.

Where can I get a COVID-19 test?

Various Passport Health locations across the United States offer antibody and/or viral COVID-19 testing. Be sure to check on your local provider’s web page to see if testing is available in your area.

Does Passport Health offer COVID-19 testing to companies who want to protect employees?

Yes. Passport Health’s large network of clinics allows for widespread onsite and offsite testing for employer workforces. Customized plans are available to meet company testing and, when available, vaccination needs. Please see our Corporate Wellness COVID-19 page .

How can I schedule my COVID-19 test?

Be sure to check if your local Passport Health is offering COVID-19 testing by checking their page on this site.

If your location is offering testing, appointments can be made by calling the clinic by phone. Many locations are seeing a large number of patients interested in testing, meaning appointment space may be limited.

How do COVID-19 tests work?

As there are two different forms of testing, each works differently.

• Antibody Testing – Typically, an antibody test involves taking an amount of blood from the body and testing that blood for the presence of the antibodies that can develop after an infection has been detected by the body’s immune system. Antibody tests are not used to diagnose COVID-19, but to help identify if someone may have come in contact with the virus and it may have infected them. A positive antibody test may require a viral test to check for active infection.
• Viral Testing – Testing is most often done through either a nasal swab or a saliva sample. These are then analyzed to determine if you have an active COVID-19 infection. Decisions on testing are made on a state or local level. While you may want testing, it is possible it has been restricted to individuals currently showing symptoms or those with other specified factors. See your local Passport Health’s webpage to know if viral COVID-19 testing is being provided by Passport Health in your area.

At this time, we do not know if individuals previously infected with COVID-19 can catch it again. You may be asked by an employer or when traveling to have tests on a regular basis such as before entering and leaving a country or on a monthly or other regular basis.

What should I do if my test comes back positive?

A positive antibody or viral test mean different things, depending on the test which you received:

• Antibody Testing – A positive antibody test means your body has made antibodies to help protect against COVID-19. It may not show if you have a current infection and does not mean you have long term immunity. A positive antibody test may require a viral COVID-19 test to ensure you are not currently sick without showing significant symptoms.
• Viral Testing – A positive viral test often means you have an active case of COVID-19. If you test positive, be sure to follow local quarantine procedures. Do note, many countries and states will deny entry with proof of a positive COVID-19 viral test in the previous 24-72 hours.

If you know or believe you have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19, follow CDC and local guidelines in regard to quarantine. If you have tested positive in a viral COVID-19 test, take protective steps including quarantine and seeking medical help.

What does a negative COVID-19 test mean?

A negative viral or antibody test can mean a few things:

• You were likely not infected at the time your sample was collected.
• It does not mean you cannot or will not get infected.
• Individuals at the very early stages of infection may not show positive on the test, this means it is possible to test negative but still show symptoms even days later.
• If you have had a known exposure to COVID-19 and test negative, it is still prudent to follow CDC and local quarantine guidelines. Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with an infected individual and watch for a fever of 100.4 degrees or more.

To find out if Passport Health offers COVID-19 testing near you, please reach out to your local provider to see if testing is available in your area.

Can I Test Positive for COVID-19 After Receiving a COVID-19 Vaccine?

No, individuals will not test positive on a COVID-19 viral test, like RT-PCR, if they have received the vaccine. Individuals will only test positive for a viral test if they are actively infected with COVID-19.

Vaccines help your body develop an immune response and create antibodies to protect against infection. This means it is possible to test positive after being vaccinated if you receive an antibody test. Antibody tests indicate whether you have developed antibodies to COVID-19 through infection or vaccination. Research is still underway as to the length of time a vaccinated individual can be positive on an antibody test and how it may affect this type of testing in the future.

Currently, the majority of destinations and organizations require an RT-PCR test.

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Protecting You Against COVID-19

Need covid-19 testing explore your options..

Total Access is committed to providing the community with testing for COVID-19, including the Omicron variant.

Where should I go for my COVID-19 test?

Patients can get evaluated and tested at any Total Access Urgent Care Clinic where we can help to provide testing and symptom relief. 

Feeling under the weather?

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Rapid Testing

Send-out testing, antibody testing, chest x-rays.

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Testing for work clearance, travel plans, asymptomatic exposure, surgery, etc. 

Travel Testing

Work clearance, group event requirements, easy access to your send-out lab results, covid-19 testing options.

Total Access Urgent Care offers FDA-authorized rapid testing with fast results on-site at all locations. All patients will speak with a medical provider and receive a brief examination.

Send-Out Testing (RT-PCR)

TAUC offers the gold standard of COVID-19 testing, which is RT-PCR testing. For send-out labs, TAUC specimens are processed quickly in 48 hours or less.

This test detects if you have been previously infected with or vaccinated against COVID-19. Your body produces antibodies in response to an infectious agent such as a virus to provide protection against the infection in the future. Antibody test results are typically available in 48 hours or less.

Symptom Evaluation

TAUC has extensive expertise and diagnostic technology to evaluate and treat symptoms, including those related to possible COVID-19 infection. To avoid a trip to the hospital, TAUC can perform chest X-rays to diagnose pneumonia and help to rehydrate patients with IV fluids.

Keeping You Safe

Total Access Urgent Care staff, patients, and visitors are requested to wear a mask throughout their visit. Patients are encouraged to wear their own mask, but we will also be happy to provide one.

Sanitizing & Desinfectant

In accordance with CDC recommendations, TAUC is implementing enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures to deep clean our facilities. We disinfect surfaces between visits, and hand sanitizer is available for our patients and team.

Social Distancing

We recommend that you keep a safe distance from others during your visit. Our patients’ health and safety comes first, and we appreciate your cooperation.

covid-19-faqs

How do i access my covid-19 send-out results.

COVID-19 send-out tests are typically completed within 1-2 days. Click this link to sign up for easy access to your test results.

Does TAUC offer travel testing?

We offer convenient COVID-19 testing options for your travel needs. Depending on your destination, you may be required to be tested prior to your flight in order to avoid a long quarantine upon arrival. TAUC offers both RT-PCR testing (results in 48 hours or less) and rapid testing options (results in 20 minutes). For travel outside of the U.S., please determine the type of testing required prior to arrival. To schedule an appointment for travel testing, sign up at one of our asymptomatic testing sites here .

The state of Hawaii only accepts COVID-19 test results from a small, pre-approved list of providers, which does not currently include TAUC. We have the test Hawaii has approved and have repeatedly requested to be included on their list, but Hawaii is far behind in processing these applications. For those traveling to Hawaii, that state requires you to use https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners to find an approved clinic.

Certain destinations such as Egypt, Dubai, and Turkey require test results with QR codes for primary-source verification. TAUC’s partner lab, Quest, is unable to provide these QR codes at this time.

Can I send my employee to TAUC for COVID-19 testing?

Payment options.

If your company prefers to directly pay for testing, rather than utilizing health insurance, complete this Medical Authorization Form to bill the visit to your business.

The Employer cost for COVID-19 virus testing is $224. The Employer cost for COVID-19 antibody testing is $254. If your employees have symptoms, they will need to bring their health insurance information to be billed for an evaluation.

What is the cost of COVID-19 testing?

We know these are challenging times, and we want you to know that TAUC remains deeply committed to supporting you and protecting your overall health and wellbeing. TAUC is in-network with most major insurance carriers. We will collect your urgent care copay and bill your health insurance for the visit. TAUC is not in-network with Medicaid. For patients with Medicaid, we offer an affordable Self Pay program. The Self Pay program price for COVID-19 testing is $99 for the provider evaluation and $100 for the test (rapid antigen or molecular). The $199 fee is due at registration. Send-out COVID-19 testing is billed to insurance directly by our local lab partner.

What does my COVID-19 test result mean?

Need help understanding your lab results? Click here for more information. 

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--> Due to the Public Health Emergency ending on May 11, 2023, your coverage of COVID-19 tests may have changed. If your insurance provider no longer provides testing benefits, payment may be due at the time of your appointment. Check with your insurance to see if you’re covered.

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Order a test kit online for pickup at any Walgreens pharmacy. COVID-19 test kit brand will vary based on local availability.

Treatment options

We’re here to help you feel better and get back to your routine.

COVID-19 treatment

If a patient tests positive for COVID-19, a Walgreens pharmacist may be able to prescribe an antiviral treatment. Patients can complete a free screening to see if they are eligible for a pharmacist assessment. In-store treatment options available in select states.

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Flu treatment

After a positive flu test, patient may be eligible for flu treatment either in-store or virtually, in select states. Consult with a pharmacist at the time of your appointment or online from home, and pending eligibility, get an affordable prescription treatment all within just a few hours.

Pharmacist assessment: $44.99 1

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Prescription price varies based on patient’s insurance plan

Age & treatment availability:

• In-store assessments available in AR, CO, FL, ID, KS, KY, MI, MN, NE, UT, WA, WI. Age varies by state
• Virtual care is available in CA, FL, GA, IL, MI, NV, NC, OH, and TX. Must be 18 years or older

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Testing at Walgreens

Walgreens offers testing for patients ages 3+. Minors, under age 18, getting tested must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Minors may be assisted by their parent or legal guardian during the sample self-collection process.

To make an appointment, choose a location and time for your test .

• Enter patient information and complete a quick questionnaire.
• Arrive at the Walgreens pharmacy and follow the instructions provided in your confirmation email.
• All test results will be sent via email. If you received a rapid test, you may wait to receive your test results directly from the pharmacy team member. α

You will be asked to bring:

• Copy of your confirmation email (digital accepted)
• Valid state ID or driver’s license
• Insurance card or voucher, if applicable

For patients ages 3–17, the parent or legal guardian who provided consent to test the patient will be asked to show a copy of the appointment confirmation email, a valid state ID or driver’s license, and insurance card or voucher.

Yes, we offer testing for ages 3+ at Walgreens locations nationwide. Visit our testing page to schedule a test at your preferred location.

COVID-19 Testing Information

Uninsured patients must meet federal eligibility requirements opens in a new tab in order to receive a COVID-19 test at no cost.* To be eligible for a federally funded test, uninsured patients must have symptoms or a recent exposure to a confirmed positive COVID-19 case.

Insured patients should contact their insurance provider before receiving any testing services at Walgreens to confirm coverage and understand their plan and benefits. If their health plan does not offer testing benefits at Walgreens, the patient will be responsible for covering any out-of-pocket costs for testing. Testing services may be covered by their HSA, FSA or HRA.

Get tested immediately if you have symptoms of COVID-19. If you do not have symptoms, wait 5 full days after exposure before getting tested.

You’re most likely to get an accurate result if symptoms are present or at least a few days after exposure because that gives the body enough time to develop a viral load that can be detected by a test. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends testing immediately when symptoms develop, or waiting at least 5 days after exposure if you aren’t showing symptoms.

COVID-19 tests indicate if you have an infection at the time of the test. Antigen or Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) are viral tests, both of which Walgreens offers (they’re called “viral” tests because they detect viral infection). Additional tests are needed to determine which variant caused an infection, but these typically are not authorized for patient use. For more information on variants, visit the CDC the CDC page on COVID-19 variants. Opens in a new tab. .

After a positive test result, you may continue to test positive for some time. You may continue to test positive on antigen tests for several weeks after your initial positive test. You may continue to test positive on rapid tests for up to 90 days.

It is also possible to get reinfected within 90 days, which can make it hard to know if a positive test indicates a new infection. Consult a healthcare provider if you have worsening symptoms or have any questions or concerns.

For more information, visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html Opens in a new tab.

We’ve partnered with Labcorp to provide Pixel by Labcorp ® COVID-19 At-Home Collection Kit, a PCR test available through Labcorp OnDemand ™ at no cost to individuals who meet clinical guidelines. ∞

To get your Pixel by Labcorp ® kit at select Walgreens locations:

• Visit our scheduler to request a Labcorp COVID-19 at-home kit for Pickup. µ
• Select the location nearest you that has the product in stock and fill out necessary information.
• Collect your test collection kit from the designated pickup location.
• Follow the instructions provided by LabCorp to collect your sample at home and send it to the laboratory for processing.
• Drop off completed tests at one of more than 6,000 Walgreens locations that offer FedEx drop off or at a FedEx drop off location using the pre-paid FedEx Priority Overnight bag provided.

You will receive an email from LabCorp containing a secure link to your results once they are ready. α

Learn more about at home collection kit PCR tests or pick a store here pick a store .

Get answers to your questions about flu testing

Symptoms of both flu and COVID-19 are similar, including but not limited to:

• Sore Throat

Testing helps determine which condition is causing your symptoms. This allows a Walgreens pharmacist to obtain the information they need to help you more quickly manage symptoms and potentially receive treatment to help keep you from becoming more ill.

The flu and COVID-19 share many similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to determine which virus may be causing your symptoms. Testing results allow a pharmacist to properly support the patient by advising on the appropriate symptom management or treatment options, if available.

Patients can receive a combination COVID-19 and flu rapid test for $19.99. Insurance coverage for flu and COVID-19 testing may vary depending on your insurance provider and plan. 3 Before receiving any testing services at Walgreens, please contact your insurance provider to understand your benefits. Uninsured patients that meet federal eligibility criteria opens in a new tab may be eligible to receive a no cost flu test as part of the combination COVID-19 and Influenza A/B tests offered by Walgreens.

The patient is responsible for covering any out-of-pocket costs not covered by their insurance provider. Testing services at Walgreens may be covered by your HSA, FSA or HRA.

At-home testing

Choose your pickup store. Note, test availability may vary by store.

• Select your quantity. You can choose 2, 4, 6 or 8 tests.
• Enter the patient information and complete a quick questionnaire.
• Enter your insurance information, and we'll submit a claim on your behalf to see if your insurance provider offers coverage. If the tests are not covered by insurance, and the patient still wishes to purchase, the patient may be responsible for the full cost, up to $23.99 per test kit (each test kit contains 2 tests).**
• When your order is ready, we'll contact you with detailed pickup instructions.

Learn more about at-home COVID-19 test kits or pick a store here pick a store .

We offer several types of at-home COVID-19 tests for purchase online or at your local Walgreens.

• Walgreens brand
• FaStep Antigen Pen

Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine. opens in a new tab on your COVID-19 vaccines—and get tested before and after traveling, along with taking everyday precautions—can help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 on planes, in airports, at destinations, and back home. Please check with your airline and destination for local guidance and requirements. To travel with confidence, follow the latest CDC guidance on travel. opens in a new tab .

Testing can be helpful even when you don’t have symptoms or a recent exposure to COVID-19, such as before an event or visiting someone at higher risk. Test as close to the time of the event as possible (at least within 1-2 days) to help you make informed decisions about your health and your risk of spreading COVID-19 to others. If you use an antigen test, follow recommendations for repeat testing to be confident in a negative result. Additionally, some places may test people without symptoms or a recent exposure to help keep COVID-19 from spreading to others, especially those who are at higher risk for severe illness opens in a new tab .

Please note: Testing for travel is no longer covered by federal testing criteria. You may be required to pay for your test if your insurance plan does not cover it. Please contact your insurance provider for coverage information.

Test results

After testing, you’ll receive an email that contains a secure link to your test results. If you’ve tested within the last 30 days and need help accessing your test result records, call the store where you received your COVID-19 or flu test. If it’s been longer than 30 days, please call the Walgreens Custodian of Records at 217-554-8949 .

There are three options for saving your results:

• Take a screenshot
• Download the PDF to your device
• Scan the QR code to save your results to a Smart Health Card-compatible app, such as CommonPass or CommonHealth.

Test results turnaround times will vary based on location and type of test. You will be notified of the results by email.

• PCR Test results are typically available within 48 hours. α
• Rapid Test results are available in under an hour.
• Rapid Antigen Test results are available in under an hour.

In accordance with CDC guidance, if you test positive for a respiratory virus such as COVID-19, it is recommended that, if able, stay home and away from others if you have symptoms and resume normal activities 24 hours after symptoms improve and you are fever free. Other ways to help keep you and others safe include practice good hygiene, improve ventilation, physical distancing, wear a mask around others, monitor symptoms if you have them, and seek medical care as needed or in case of a medical emergency. For more information on updated CDC guidance, please visit: Respiratory Virus Guidance opens in a new tab .

You may choose to report negative or positive tests for yourself or any member of your family to your provider and at MakeMyTestCount.org . Your answers are anonymous, secure and cannot be traced back to you.

For more information, visit MakeMyTestCount.org .

The data from MakeMyTestCount.org can help public health teams do that work—while keeping your personal test results private and anonymous. When you share your result, you’re helping to keep yourself and your community safe from COVID-19, both now and in the future. For more information, visit MakeMyTestCount.org .

Treatment Options

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may complete a free initial screening opens in a new tab to determine potential eligibility for treatment. A Walgreens pharmacist will contact you to perform an assessment and determine if you are eligible to receive oral antiviral treatment. The assessment is $44.99, regardless of eligibility for treatment. In select states, a pharmacist is also available to assess a patient and determine if oral antiviral treatment is appropriate.

To be eligible for flu treatment, you must take a rapid flu test at Walgreens. If the patient tests positive, they can complete a clinical assessment with a pharmacist to determine eligibility for antiviral prescription. Pharmacist assessment is not available for Medicaid patients at this time. Flu antiviral treatment must be started within 48 hours of symptoms. A Walgreens pharmacist can also recommend over-the-counter relief to treat symptoms.

Paxlovid™ (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) opens in a new tab is an oral antiviral treatment regimen for people who recently tested positive for COVID-19, are symptomatic and are high risk for severe disease and/or hospitalization. This treatment works by targeting a specific part of the COVID-19 virus to stop it from multiplying in the body, which reduces the amount of virus in your body. It is proven to help prevent severe illness and death. For more information, visit: paxlovid.pfizerpro.com opens in a new tab

Paxlovid is generally well-tolerated. Possible side effects include:

• Altered or impaired taste
• Increased blood pressure
• Muscle pain

Patients should stop taking Paxlovid and contact a primary healthcare provider immediately if they experience allergic reactions such as:

• Trouble swallowing or breathing
• Swelling of the mouth, lips, or face
• Tightness in the throat
• Unusual hoarseness in voice
• A skin rash

Not everyone who meets initial screening requirements will get a Paxlovid prescription. A clinical assessment with a healthcare professional is required. At Walgreens, this assessment will be conducted over the phone with a pharmacist. To qualify for the assessment, patients must:

• Be at least 12 years old and weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kilograms)
• Have recently tested positive for COVID-19
• Have COVID-19 symptoms that began within the last 5 days
• Have one or more risk factors for developing severe disease
• Have lab results within the past 12 months––including kidney and liver function

Patients who meet initial screening requirements will still need to meet with a healthcare professional. At Walgreens, this will be a Walgreens pharmacist, to determine if Paxlovid is an appropriate treatment (based on specific FDA eligibility criteria and personal health history). Regardless if Paxlovid is prescribed, the assessment cost is $44.99 and will be charged during the over-the-phone pharmacist assessment. Patient insurance, flexible spending account (FSA) funds or healthcare spending account (HSA) funds may be used to cover this cost. Patients are encouraged to check with their insurance provider or benefit plan to see if the cost is covered.

If you have Medicare, Medicaid or are uninsured, you may be eligible to receive Paxlovid at no cost through PAXCESS TM Patient Assistance program. 4 To enroll:

• Visit PAXCESSPatientPortal.com opens in a new tab or call 877-219-7225 .
• Complete the online questionnaire.
• If eligible, bring billing information to the pharmacy

Patients with private health insurance may be eligible to get their Paxlovid prescription for as low as $0 with the PAXCESS ™ Co-Pay Savings Program opens in a new tab 5 . Walgreens will first bill your insurance and then confirm potential co-pay amount. You may apply for PAXCESS Co-Pay Savings Program to cover any out-of-pocket costs. To check eligibility:

• Enroll in the Co-Pay Savings Program to download an activated card
• Activate your co-pay card to unlock your savings
• Complete a rebate form to see if you can get reimbursed for your prescription

Treatment with antiviral medications is recommended for eligible patients. To be eligible for flu treatment, you must take a rapid flu test at Walgreens. If the patient tests positive, they can complete a clinical assessment with a pharmacist to determine eligibility for antiviral prescription. Pharmacist assessment is not available for Medicaid patients at this time.

Flu antiviral treatment must be started within 48 hours of symptoms. A Walgreens pharmacist can also recommend over-the-counter relief to treat symptoms.

Information on this page is sourced from the CDC website. In the event of a discrepancy between the information on Walgreens.com and the CDC website, please follow the CDC’s guidance.

Available to customers ages 3 and older. Payment due at time of service if test is not covered by insurance.

* No cost COVID-19 testing may be available for uninsured patients who meet federal eligibility criteria or insured patients depending on plan benefits. Contact your plan to confirm coverage criteria and copayment amount before scheduling your test. You may be billed by Walgreens, and if applicable, the laboratory, for up to the full price of the test if you owe a copay, your insurance denies coverage or if you don’t meet eligibility criteria for government no-cost testing programs.

α Test results cannot be guaranteed by a specific time, including for travel. PCR test results turnaround time is an estimate and may vary during periods of increased demand and other factors, such as transmitting and processing delays during weekends, holidays or inclement weather.

** After you submit your order, a Walgreens pharmacist will confirm your eligibility and your potential copay amounts with your insurance plan. You may also contact your insurance plan to confirm coverage of at-home COVID-19 tests. If your plan does provide coverage, there may be cost-sharing and limits to the number of tests covered per person per month. Purchased test kits are non-refundable.

∞ Individuals must meet one or more of the following requirements to qualify for a Pixel by Labcorp® COVID-19 test at-home collection kit at no cost: Experiencing mild symptoms; exposed to someone with COVID-19; live or work in a congregate setting; and/or asked to get tested by a healthcare professional, contact investigator, or public health department.

µ Limit one test kit per order. COVID-19 test home collection kit availability varies by store.

∞ The Pixel by Labcorp PCR Test Home Collection Kit has not been FDA-cleared or approved but has been authorized for emergency use by FDA under an EUA, and has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. Emergency use of this product is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner.

†† No-cost at-home COVID-19 test kits are available to customers ages 2 and older. Test kits are funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Customers will not be billed. To get tested, customers must register their kit with Labcorp and provide their demographic information. Customers must self-swab and mail their kit to Labcorp, as directed, free of charge. Customers may order one test kit at a time. The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Antigen Self Test has not been FDA cleared or approved. It has been authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization. It has been authorized only for the detection of proteins from SARSCoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens, and is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner.

1 There is a $44.99 fee for assessment (“Fee”), which is nonrefundable, even if patient is determined to be ineligible. Patient(s) must contact insurance provider to determine if fee is eligible for coverage. Assessment is not available for Medicaid patients at this time. In order for a Walgreens pharmacist to prescribe oral antiviral therapy, the patient must test positive for COVID-19 or influenza and complete clinical assessment with a Walgreens pharmacist.

2 Services for non-emergency conditions currently available only in CA, GL, GA, IL MI, NV, NC, OH, and TX. Insurance not accepted for virtual care services. For more info, see: Walgreens.com/VirtualHealthcare

3 Must be symptomatic and have flu testing done with COVID-19 testing in order to be eligible. Please contact your health plan before scheduling to confirm the test meets coverage criteria and any cost-sharing amount. You may be billed by Walgreens and, if applicable, the laboratory for up to the full price of the test if your health plan denies coverage. Uninsured patients who meet federal eligibility criteria may be eligible to receive a no cost COVID-19 and flu PCR test.

4 With a focus on ensuring access for patients, the U.S. Government Patient Assistance Program (USG PAP) operated by Pfizer will continue to provide patients on Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA Community Care Network, and those who are uninsured access to PAXLOVID for free through December 31, 2024. PAXLOVID through the USG PAP is not available to patients who have commercial prescription drug health insurance. The USG PAP operated by Pfizer is an independent program with separate eligibility requirements offered by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and is not owned by Pfizer. Terms and conditions apply. Full terms and conditions for the USG PAP may be found here at the paxlovid website USG terms and conditions page. Opens in a new window .

5 Eligible commercially insured patients can save up to $1,500 per prescription. Maximum annual savings up to $1,500. Terms and conditions apply. Full terms and conditions for the Co-Pay Program may be found here at the paxlovid website PAXCESS terms and conditions page. Opens in a new window .

Two states, four Walgreens and a sense of defeat: Travelers struggle to find timely COVID tests, putting trips in jeopardy

Nikki Schreader almost missed a trip to Hawaii last month for a family wedding.

She wasn't running late for her flight. She was scrambling to find a coronavirus test for her 8-year-old daughter, a requirement to enter Hawaii unless you're vaccinated.

Schreader studied the state's strict testing rules , which set out the type of test, approved providers and the timetable (no more than three days before the flight.) She stopped by the closest Walgreens, in Rochester, Minnesota, days before her daughter was required to test to ask about availability. Employees told her they were completely sold out of the diagnostic tests she needed and directed her to Austin, Minnesota, which is 40 minutes away.

►Traveling to Honolulu?  Get ready to show COVID-19 vaccine or negative test at restaurants, bars

►Self-test kits?: Here's what travelers should know about at-home COVID-19 tests

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Schreader snagged an appointment in Austin but it was canceled the night before. She found a last-minute opening the next day in Northfield, Minnesota, and grabbed it, even though it was nearly an hour away. When she arrived, the location was out of the rapid test she needed. Another eligible test was available, but she was told results would take three to five days. 

"I feel so defeated,'' she said when she struck out. 

Schreader was ready to cancel the trip until she found an opening the next day for an approved rapid test at a Walgreens in River Falls, Wisconsin, 90 minutes away. Her daughter took a rapid test and the results were delivered before they were home. They flew to Hawaii the next day.

Schreader's shuffle across state lines may be an extreme case, but her hunt for a timely, affordable coronavirus test for travel is far from unique. Travel message boards are filled with questions on how to find tests or warnings about a lack of appointments, canceled appointments and slow turnaround times for results.

Some frustrated travelers are turning to elected officials. The office of Rep. Brian Higgins, D-N.Y. – who raised questions about testing capacity in early August as Canada reopened to vaccinated Americans  – fielded recent calls from travelers unable to find affordable local tests that return results within Canada's 72-hour time frame, spokesperson Theresa Kennedy said. Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada, is a short drive from the district, which includes Buffalo.

Blame the delta variant , return to school and a host of other factors, which have combined to create a major testing crunch across the country. 

The upshot for travelers headed to Hawaii, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, on cruises and other destinations requiring tests for all or some: Planning is essential, backup options are a must. Note that those backup plans, including airport rapid testing, are often pricey, especially for those who are used to free tests at Walgreens or government facilities.

'I did not anticipate it being an issue': Five hours and $250 later, a coronavirus test to reenter Canada

Charlotte Mosher lives in Canada and flew to the United States in August to help a friend move from Denver to Florida.

She didn't have a problem getting a coronavirus test in Canada to board her flight to Denver. The problems arose when she tried to find a test for her return flight from Tampa.

Mosher, who is fully vaccinated, tried to book an appointment online with Walgreens, which is free, but came up empty in the three-day time period she needed.

"There were no tests anywhere within driving distance,'' she said. "They were all booked.''

She looked into at-home testing kits, but they would not guarantee the results in time for her flight. 

Her sister found one testing place in Tampa, but it couldn't guarantee results in time either, and she needed to get back to work.

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"When I called them they said it wouldn't even go out to the lab until the next day,'' she said, with two days or more processing time after that.

She ended up getting a test through ARCpoint Labs on the recommendation of a friend.

The cost: 325 Canadian dollars, or about $257.  That's half the price of her round-trip airline ticket.

Her advice to others: Don't book a trip until you search for general testing availability using hypothetical dates.

"I guess I should have done that,'' Mosher said. "I did not anticipate it being an issue.''

More trouble getting to Canada: Late test results, turned away at the border. 

The testing troubles aren't limited to those traveling by air.

Paula McGibbon lives in West Seneca, New York, near Buffalo, and tries to visit her parents in Niagara Falls, Canada, every week. She is vaccinated and has dual citizenship.

Before the border reopened, test results from Walgreens   were delivered in about a day and a half. In the past few weeks, that has ballooned to five days, she said.

McGibbon took a test at the pharmacy this week so she could take the five-minute drive across the border to see her parents in their retirement home. She became worried when she received an email warning of prolonged wait times for results. The warning was dead-on: McGibbon didn't receive her results for five days, past Canada's 72-hour timetable. Her results were technically expired.

She decided to take her chances at the border since her PCR test was taken at the right time to comply with the rules, but she was turned away. An official told her to try the Buffalo airport for a rapid test. The cost: $150 to $200, she said.

"Overall we are able to meet demand, with a capacity to perform up to 3 million test per month, across our more than 6,000 testing locations throughout the country," Phil Caruso of Walgreens told USA TODAY. "We may experience intermittent delays in supply in some locations and are working with all of our testing partners to meet patient demand."

McGibbon opted for urgent care, figuring she'd have to pay only a $25 co-pay, but the bill was $150. She said her insurance company told her coronavirus "screening'' tests weren't covered like those performed for people with symptoms or COVID-19 exposure.

She called the Erie County health department and Higgins' office seeking tips on free testing options. She's worried that the price of tests will put her weekly visits with her parents, who are in their 90s, out of reach.

►Don't fake your vaccine card: Woman arrested for using fake 'Maderna' vaccine card during Hawaii trip

►Can Americans visit Europe this fall after EU decision?: It's complicated. What travelers need to know.

Kennedy, from Higgins' office, said the biggest issue for travelers trying to cross the border as testing sites are overwhelmed is the turnaround time. 

"Providers that offer tests at low or no cost to the consumer are not able to guarantee that the results will return in time,'' the spokesperson said.

Those who must have rapid tests with quick results find themselves paying $125 to $200 per person for a test, Kennedy added.

The cost is leading some to cancel trips, she said. One constituent from western New York, who owns property in Canada and visits regularly with his wife and son, called Wednesday to say they have had to cancel trips because of the high cost of rapid testing.

"I don’t know when I’ll see them again,'' McGibbon said of her parents. "I just have to keep going and trying to get COVID tests.''

Finding a test for travel during delta variant surge: 7 tips

• Have a plan B ... and C and D.   Check all testing options within a reasonable radius as well as testing options at the airport and other for-profit sites. Schedule appointments as far in advance as allowed and be sure to ask when results will be ready. Keep checking back for cancellations.
• Call your health insurance company to see what types of travel tests, if any, are covered and to what extent.  This is invaluable information to have on hand should your favored, free testing site be unavailable or slow to provide results. CVS spokesperson Matt Blanchette said people seeking testing for travel purposes should check with their insurer to determine if it covers such screening. Otherwise, the cost at CVS is $139 per test given laboratory costs, he said. Walgreens offers free testing regardless of insurance. Blanchette said the chain continues "to be able to meet the demand for COVID-19 testing, even with increasing numbers of patients seeking out tests at one of our more than 4,800 CVS Pharmacy locations across the country offering testing with same-day and future day appointments in most geographies.''
• Make sure you don't get the wrong test in the rush to find any test. Hawaii in particular is strict and won't accept just any coronavirus test from any health care provider, even if it's from the vaunted Mayo Clinic.  The state accepts just one CVS test, for example.
• At-home tests are also an option, but make sure it is the right at-home test. Many destinations won't accept those that aren't supervised by a health care professional. 
• Boost your travel testing budget if the trip can't be missed or canceled.  The airport sites are convenient but costly.
• Ask fellow travelers or scan Facebook message groups for testing strategies. One woman on the Maui COVID Travel Testing group on Facebook said she has been practicing logging into the Walgreen's site at the time new appointments are added each night so she's in practice when her trip to Hawaii comes.
• Know Hawaii COVID travel restrictions.   Learn how to navigate the state's entry requirements .

COVID-19 testing for patients

While SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is no longer at pandemic levels, it is still a major health concern and cases are expected to rise during the fall and winter. Plus, it can be easy to mix up COVID-19 symptoms with other seasonal respiratory illnesses like the flu or an RSV sinus infection. Whether you're ready to get tested right away or need to review your testing options, Quest has the information you're looking for.

How to get COVID-19 testing

Choose from 3 paths to get tested for COVID-19 at Quest Diagnostics.

Doctor's order

Most health plans cover COVID-19 testing, as well as flu and RSV testing. Check with your insurance provider for coverage details.

Schedule an appointment

Purchase online

Shop online for COVID-19 tests to check for active infections or immunity antibodies, or to check if it could be the flu instead.

You may qualify for no-cost testing at select Quest locations if you don't have insurance and you are symptomatic or were exposed to COVID-19. It's funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

Get started

Make an appointment for COVID-19 tests

If you have an order for COVID-19 testing through your doctor, schedule your appointment at a Quest location near you.

• Active infection
• 2-in-1 COVID-19 and flu
• 3-in-1 COVID-19, flu, and RSV
• Rapid Antigen
• No-cost COVID-19 tests
• Purchase tests online

COVID-19 symptoms and test information

Is it covid-19, flu, or rsv.

Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) sinus infections have similar symptoms to COVID-19 and are most common during the same time of year—late fall through winter. Plus, they are all contagious viruses that can be spread easily through person-to-person contact, including coughing and sneezing.

That’s where the similarities end. COVID-19, flu, and RSV respond best to different treatments, so it’s important to pinpoint the specific illness you have through testing.  Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and what test option may be best for you.

Compare COVID-19 test options

• Rapid antigen

Why choose this test?  This test is to help check if you have COVID-19.

Test overview:  Checks for genetic material produced by the virus (viral RNA) to determine if someone is currently infected

Accuracy: Highly accurate and usually does not need to be repeated

Turnaround time for results: Typically end of next day

Test method: Nasal swab

How to get tested:

• With an order from your doctor, make an appointment at a Quest Patient Service Center near you.
• Purchase the test for yourself online at  questhealth.com . You can choose to make an in-person appointment at a Quest near you, or have an at-home collection kit mailed to you.
• If you are uninsured, see if you qualify for no-cost testing at select Quest locations.

Why choose this test?  This test is to help check if you have COVID-19 or influenza.

Test overview: This combination test checks for both influenza A and B, as well as COVID-19—all at the same time. Results will rule in or rule out each of the viral infections.

Accuracy:  Highly accurate and usually does not need to be repeated

Turnaround time for results: Typically 1-2 days

• Purchase the test for yourself online at  questhealth.com , then make an in-person appointment at a Quest near you.
• If you are uninsured, see if you qualify for no-cost testing options at select Quest locations.

Why choose this test?  This test is to help check if you have COVID-19, influenza, or RSV.

Test overview:  For those experiencing symptoms, this combination test can help rule in or rule out COVID-19, flu, and sinus infection (RSV) with a single swab. Results will rule in or rule out each of the viral infections.

• Contact your doctor or healthcare provider to request a Quest COVID-19, flu, and RSV swab test. Once you have your test order, make an appointment to have your sample collected at a Quest Patient Service Center.

Why choose this test?  This test is to help determine if you have long COVID or if another underlying health problem is causing your symptoms.

Test overview:

• The Post COVID-19 Expanded Test Panel measures the following components: Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP), Complete Blood Count (CBC), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Ferritin, Hepatic Function Panel, Thyroid Function Test, Vitamin B12 Test, Vitamin D Test, and Urinalysis
• The Post COVID-19 Basic Test Panel measures the following components: C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Thyroid Function Test, Vitamin B12 Test, and Vitamin D Test

Test method: Blood and urine tests

Why choose this test?  This test is to help check if you had COVID-19 in the past. It cannot detect a current infection.

Test overview: Checks for spike protein antibodies to detect a prior or recent infection, regardless of whether symptoms were present a

Accuracy: Not applicable

Test method: Blood test

• Start by either purchasing a test online at  questhealth.com , or by asking your healthcare provider to order a test for you.
• Once you have your test order, make an appointment to have your sample collected at a Quest Patient Service Center.

Test overview:  Checks if someone is currently infected by looking for viral proteins and delivers rapid results in just 15 to 30 minutes b

Accuracy:  Lower accuracy than molecular (eg, PCR) tests

Turnaround time for results: Typically 15-30 minutes

• A COVID-19 at-home rapid antigen test (2-pack) is available for purchase online at  questhealth.com . It is observed remotely by a healthcare professional via telehealth.

Important COVID-19 testing statements

• The Quest Diagnostics molecular test, the other authorized molecular tests and the self-collection kit (together the “molecular tests”), the COVID/Flu molecular test and self-collection kit, the COVID/Flu/RSV test, the antigen test and the antibody test (together “the tests”) have not been FDA cleared or approved;
• The tests have been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories;
• The molecular tests have been authorized only for the unsupervised self-collection and maintenance of nasal specimens for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; 
• The COVID/Flu molecular test and self-collection kit have been authorized only for the unsupervised self-collection and maintenance of nasal specimens for as an aid in detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus and influenza B virus, not for any other viruses or pathogens;
• The COVID/Flu/RSV test has been authorized only for the simultaneous qualitative detection and differentiation of nucleic acids from SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and not for any other viruses or pathogens;
• The antigen test has been authorized only for the detection of proteins from SARS- CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; 
• The antibody test has been authorized only for the detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and,
• The tests are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.

Compare COVID-19, flu, RSV, cold, long COVID, and allergy symptoms

Testing for long covid.

Long COVID, also known as post-COVID, is when symptoms linger for several weeks or months after a COVID-19 infection has run its course. Quest offers testing to help you and your doctor determine if you have long COVID or if another underlying health problem is causing your symptoms.

Post–COVID-19 test panels

Quest's test panels for long COVID measure:

• C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
• Thyroid Function Test
• Vitamin B12 Test
• Vitamin D Test

Note: These tests do NOT test for or diagnose COVID-19.

Getting COVID-19 test results

The quickest way to get your test results is having them sent automatically through your secure MyQuest ® online portal. If you don't already have a MyQuest account, signing up is free and easy.

Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 testing at Quest

About covid-19, what is covid-19.

COVID-19 is the name for the respiratory syndrome caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). 

Is COVID-19 still a threat?

Though the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency was ended in May 2023, it remains a serious health concern. According to the World Health Organization , confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to occur around the world.

In fact, COVID-19 cases are expected to peak between late fall and early winter, which is typical for a respiratory virus like COVID-19 or the flu.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, loss of smell, coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, feeling weak or lethargic, chills, muscle pain, lightheadedness or dizziness, headache, vomiting or diarrhea, slurred speech, and/or seizures.

The  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  offers many resources on COVID-19, including symptoms.

The symptoms of COVID-19 can be very similar to other respiratory infections like influenza (flu) or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). So different tests are available to help determine which illness is making you sick.

If you suspect you may have COVID-19, contact your doctor or an authorized healthcare provider immediately for guidance. Your healthcare provider can review your symptoms to determine what testing is appropriate. To help you and your doctor determine if you have COVID-19, active infection testing is available through a doctor's order or by purchasing online at  questhealth.com , and you can make an appointment to be tested at a Quest location or purchase an at-home collection kit. At-home rapid antigen testing is also available to purchase at  questhealth.com , and it is observed remotely by a healthcare professional via telehealth.

How long am I contagious if I have COVID-19?

You are considered to be contagious for up to 10 days from the start of your first COVID-19 symptoms. The CDC recommends isolating from others for at least 5 days after testing positive for COVID-19. However, if your symptoms are not improving, the recommendation is to isolate for 10 days.

You are considered "recovered" from COVID-19 and no longer infectious if it has been at least 10 days from the start of your first symptoms, at least 24 hours without a fever, and all other symptoms have improved.

Additionally, an antibody test may be able to detect if you have previously had an infection and already recovered—even if you never experienced symptoms. Detecting antibodies indicates you may possibly have a lower risk of getting COVID-19 again. However, more research is needed because it is not yet known how long antibodies will last after infection and whether antibodies offer short- and/or long-term protection against getting infected again. b

About Quest COVID-19 testing options

Why should i get tested for covid-19.

If you suspect you have COVID-19 or were recently in contact with someone who had it, a swab test can tell you whether you have an active infection. Knowing if you currently have COVID-19 gives you the information you need to self-isolate and protect everyone around you.

If you suspect that you had a recent or prior COVID-19 infection, even if you never showed signs of being sick, you can take an antibody blood test to confirm prior infection.

Understanding your antibody status also gives you and your healthcare provider the insight to make an informed decision about returning to activity. Other reasons why it’s beneficial to know if you are positive for COVID-19 antibodies include:

• Tracking evidence of your antibodies over time
• Encouraging those you were in contact with to talk to their doctor about getting tested
• Reducing the need to be monitored and retested for COVID-19 infection

Is there a lab test for COVID-19?

Yes, and Quest labs are leaders in processing the complex COVID-19 testing.

For diagnosis of an  active COVID-19 infection , check if you’re eligible for a  no-cost test . Testing and sample collection are available at a variety of locations, including Walmart ® pharmacy drive-thrus and other participating retail locations. Those without any COVID-19 symptoms also have the option of going to select Quest Patient Service Centers, though appointments are preferred over walk-ins. If you are not eligible or want the convenience of testing at home, purchase an at-home kit through  questhealth.com . 

Current COVID-19 infections may also be detected with a  rapid antigen test . Results are typically ready in just 15 to 30 minutes. A COVID-19 at-home rapid antigen test (2-pack) is available for purchase at  questhealth.com . It is observed remotely by a healthcare professional via telehealth. Testing is for ages 2+, regardless of symptoms.

If your healthcare provider is unsure what is causing your respiratory symptoms, they may recommend a COVID-19 and flu or a COVID-19, flu, and RSV combination test . A single sample is collected via nasal swab to be tested for multiple viral infections. The test results of this combination test will rule in or rule out each of the viral infections.

If you may have already been exposed to COVID-19, you may be eligible for  antibody testing . To get tested for COVID-19 antibodies, you can order the test for yourself via  questhealth.com . This allows you to get tested without waiting to go your doctor first. Or, you can reach out to your doctor or healthcare provider and have them submit an order for your test.

Can I get tested for COVID-19, flu, and RSV at the same time?

Yes. Getting tested for COVID-19, flu, and RSV at the same time is called a combination test.

The symptoms of COVID-19 can be very similar to other respiratory infections like influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). So different combination tests are available to help determine which illness is making you sick. There is a combination test for COVID-19 and flu , and another combination test for COVID-19, flu, and RSV .

With just 1 combination test, you and your doctor can determine if you have COVID-19, flu, or RSV. It eliminates the need for multiple tests or doctor visits, and can help you get the right treatment plan as soon as possible.

The cotesting approach helps increase testing capacity, especially during the busy flu season, and speeds up the time to a diagnosis.

Can I order COVID-19 tests online for myself?

Yes, several types of COVID-19 tests can be purchased online through the  questhealth.com , including:

• Active infection test
• COVID-19 and flu test
• Antibody test
• Post-COVID-19 Basic Test Panel
• Post-COVID-19 Expanded Test Panel

The cost of tests through questhealth.com cannot be submitted to health insurance.

Can I get an at-home COVID-19 test?

Yes, 2 types of COVID-19 tests have an at-home collection option:

What are the instructions for an at-home COVID-19 test?

When using an active infection at-home collection kit to test for COVID-19, you’ll follow these steps:

1. Purchase: Select and purchase your active infection COVID-19 test at questhealth.com .

2. Kit shipment: Sample collection kit is delivered to the address provided.

3. Collect sample: Follow the detailed instructions provided in kit. However, the basic process for swabbing your nose is to:

• Wash and dry your hands
• Remove swab from package (do not touch the tip of the swab)
• Open the specimen tube (do not spill or drink the liquid in the tube)
• Insert the swab into 1 nostril about half an inch
• Rotate the swab in a circular motion around the inside of the nostril twice, then hold the swab still in your nostril for an additional 15 seconds
• Repeat the same process in your other nostril using the same swab
• Insert the swab, tip first, into the specimen tube until the tip reaches the bottom liquid
• Break the swab at the top of the tube
• Screw cap onto the tube tightly

Or watch this  video explaining the at-home collection process .

4. Return sample: Send sample back to Quest using the prepaid packaging provided in your kit.

5. Get results online: You will receive an email when your confidential results are available. View results online .

The rapid antigen at-home sample collection process will also include detailed instructions and provides virtual supervision. Instead of mailing back your sample, you’ll be instructed to place the liquid onto an indicator device that may detect the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19. Purchase at questhealth.com .

How long will I test positive for COVID-19 after I’ve been infected?

According to the CDC , active infection molecular tests may continue to return a positive result for up to 90 days after the initial COVID-19 infection.

Which COVID-19 tests are FDA approved?

The molecular, antigen, and antibody tests for COVID-19 used by Quest Diagnostics have been granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the FDA. However, they have not been FDA cleared or approved.

About long COVID testing

What is long covid.

Sometimes referred to as long-haul COVID, chronic COVID, post-COVID condition, or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, the CDC defines long COVID as health problems that last 4 or more weeks after first infection with the coronavirus.

While the reason is still unclear, these long-term effects may increase the risk of diabetes, heart conditions, autoimmune disorders, and neurological conditions.

Can I be tested for long COVID if I have never been infected?

Yes, you can still be tested for long COVID even if you never tested positive for COVID-19.

While most people with long COVID have evidence of infection or COVID-19 illness, according to the CDC there are some cases in which a person with long COVID may not have tested positive for the virus or known they were infected.

Can a long COVID test panel diagnose COVID-19?

No, long COVID test panels cannot diagnose current or past COVID-19 infections. 

Does Quest Diagnostics offer long COVID testing?

Yes, Quest offers 2 exclusive test panels to check if your lingering symptoms are from long COVID or another health issue. Both tests are available to purchase for yourself through questhealth.com.

How to get COVID-19 testing through Quest

Does quest take walk-ins for covid-19 testing.

Yes, walk-ins are welcome at Quest, including for COVID-19 testing. However, patients with scheduled appointments take priority over walk-ins.

If you are coughing, sneezing, or have a sore throat, it is recommended that you wear a mask to protect yourself and others.

Can I schedule a COVID-19 test in advance?

Yes. Making an appointment at a Quest location is the best way to reduce your wait time.

Do I need a doctor’s order to get COVID-19 testing at Quest?

Having an order from your own doctor is one way to get COVID-19 testing at Quest.

You can also purchase a test from  questhealth.com ; the test will be ordered by physicians at PNWHealth , an independent healthcare provider network that coordinates care with Quest.

Can I get routine blood work after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. It is common and generally safe to get other routine tests or vaccinations at the same time you get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Do Quest locations require masks?

Masks are not required at Quest locations. However, if you are coughing, sneezing, or have a sore throat, it is recommended that you wear a mask to protect yourself and others.

What are the health safety measures at Quest locations?

Quest has strong safety procedures in place at all times to protect patients and employees from coming into contact with any infectious diseases. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we have added more precautions that make it easier to access the testing you need from Quest.

These measures are still in place today and include:

• Encouraging online scheduling to limit your wait time and the number of people in waiting rooms
• Encouraging patients with severe symptoms (fever or flu-like symptoms) to reschedule for when they are feeling better
• Recommending that patients feeling unwell should protect themselves and others by wearing a mask
• Offering a text alert option that allows patients to wait for appointments outside

COVID-19 test results

How do i get covid-19 test results.

Typically, the quickest way to get your test results is having them sent to you automatically through your secure MyQuest ®  online portal. If you don’t already have a MyQuest account,  signing up  is free and easy.

How do I read COVID-19 test results?

According to the CDC , a positive COVID-19 test result means the virus was detected. That indicates you currently have or recently had a COVID-19 infection.

With a negative COVID-19 test result , the virus was not detected.

But false positives and false negatives are possible, especially with antigen tests that have a lower level of accuracy than molecular tests. Repeat testing is recommended in some cases:

• If an antigen test shows a positive result, but you do not have any symptoms and haven’t been exposed recently
• If an antigen test shows a negative result, but you do have symptoms

What is the turnaround time for COVID-19 test results?

The turnaround time for COVID-19 test results varies from 15 minutes to 2 days depending on the type of test you receive. The rapid antigen test takes 15-30 minutes to get results. Active infection testing results for COVID-19 alone are typically ready by the end of the following day. COVID-19 and flu combination tests or COVID-19, flu, and RSV combination tests typically take 1-2 days.

Does blood on the swab affect COVID-19 test results?

Yes. Testing a nasal swab with blood on it may lead to a false-positive COVID-19 result.

Does having a sinus infection affect COVID-19 test results?

No. Taking a COVID-19 test when you have a sinus infection should not impact the results.

COVID-19 test costs

How much do covid-19 tests cost.

If paying through your insurance, most health plans cover COVID-19 testing, as well as flu and RSV testing. Though you should check with your insurance provider for coverage details.

If purchasing a test for yourself through questhealth.com , the cost is about $70 for a rapid antigen test or about $129 for an active infection test .

There is also a no-cost COVID-19 test option for those without insurance.

Does Medicaid cover COVID-19 testing?

Most health plan benefits cover COVID-19 testing. Though you should check with your insurance provider for coverage details.

Can I use my HSA or FSA account to pay for COVID-19 testing, including at-home tests?

Yes, health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) allow health plan members to pay for COVID-19 testing, including the at-home collection service, out of their individual accounts.

How do I get COVID-19 testing if I am uninsured?

If you are uninsured, there are many ways to get tested:

• This program is offered in most states, except AK, AL, AZ, DC, DE, HI, KS, KY, LA, ME, MI, MN, MS, MT, ND, SD, UT, VT, WA, and WY.
• Supervised self-collection is not available in the following states due to state regulations: AK, AL, AZ, CA, DC, DE, HI, KS, KY, LA, ME, MI, MN, MS, MT, ND, OK, OR, RI, UT, VT, WA, and WY.
• Supervised self-collection may be available only at select Patient Service Centers in all other states. Contact your Quest representative for a list of Patient Service Centers offering supervised self-collection in those states.
• This program includes both  molecular  (eg, PCR) and  COVID-19 and flu molecular  (eg, PCR) tests. The COVID-19 and flu test is only available if you are experiencing COVID-19 and/or flu symptoms.
• This program is available to eligible individuals ages 2 and older. Patients between the ages of 2 and 17 must be accompanied to their appointment by a parent or legal guardian. This may vary based on the age of majority in your state.
• You do not need a doctor's referral or appointment to be eligible for sponsored testing. You can check your eligibility, book an appointment, and proceed with the sample collection at your own discretion. If you receive a positive test result (or an inconclusive or invalid result), you will be contacted by PWN to review your results. We encourage you to discuss your test results with your doctor.
• Patients can purchase COVID-19 testing out-of-pocket at  questhealth.com .
• If you live in Arizona, visit  www.SonoraQuest.com/OrderCovid .
• Your state Department of Health may offer $0 out-of-pocket testing options.
• Connecticut
• North Carolina
• New Hampshire
• South Carolina
• West Virginia

To speak with customer service, call 1.866.697.8378 (toll-free).

Why can’t insured patients qualify for “no-cost to you” COVID-19 testing?

The Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) is a goverment-sponsored program established to offer COVID-19 testing for US communities that are at greater risk of being affected by the pandemic. As the pandemic is no longer designated a public health emergency, the qualifications for this program have been narrowed to those who are uninsured. This allows the ICATT program to continue serving the community and effectively manage the spread of COVID-19.

1 Symptoms of COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated October 26, 2022. Accessed August 9, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

2 Flu symptoms & complications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed October 3, 2022. Accessed August 9, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm

3 Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV) symptoms and care. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed July 27, 2023. Accessed August 9, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/symptoms.html

4 Cold versus flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed September 29, 2022. Accessed August 9, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/coldflu.htm

5 Long COVID or post-COVID conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated July 20, 2023. Accessed August 9, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html

6 Allergens and pollen. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed August 21, 2020. Accessed August 9, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/effects/allergen.htm

a  Positive results with the antibody test may occur after COVID-19 vaccination, but the clinical significance is not yet known. How long antibodies remain detectable after infection or vaccination and how long protection, if any, may last is not yet known. The results of this test should not be interpreted as an indication of degree of immunity or protection.

b  Rapid antigen tests are less accurate than molecular tests, so your doctor may recommend a molecular test when your antigen test result does not make sense with your symptoms and exposure history. For example, when the antigen test says you are infected, but you do not have symptoms (and have not been exposed recently). Another example is when your antigen test says you are not infected, but you have symptoms. Rapid antigen tests have their best accuracy within 7 days of symptoms starting. Accuracy and the clinical significance of results beyond the 7 days is not known.

About the FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Status

This test has been authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). This means that while Quest Diagnostics has validated the test and has the data to believe the test and the collection kit are accurate, this test has not been FDA cleared or approved; this test has been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories; this test has been authorized only for the detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and, this test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(B)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360BBB-3(B)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner. Additional studies need to be conducted for this test and others like it to be FDA cleared or approved.

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How to get a Covid PCR test for travel

With a spike in covid this autumn, it’s possible travellers may need a test for some destinations. here’s what you need to know.

C ovid-related restrictions have become a thing of the past in most destinations which means there’s no longer a need to test before travel, or to provide proof of vaccination. Even on cruises, which were among the last to drop testing requirements, things have relaxed. However, Covid is on the rise again this autumn, and you may want to test before you travel. Here’s what you need to know about buying a test.

Main photo: taking off at London Southend Airport (Alamy)

Do I need a fit-to-fly PCR test for my destination?

Nearly all destinations have dropped testing requirements for travellers who are fully vaccinated, while some have dropped their travel restrictions altogether. But Covid is on the rise again, so things may change. It’s worth, therefore, checking the Foreign Office website for the latest on any new Covid restrictions as well as general safety advice.

In particular, look out for the type of test required (PCR or lateral flow), whether it can be administered remotely or must be done in person and by a professional, and when you need to get the test done. Lateral flow tests usually need to be administered closer to the departure time than a PCR test.

When testing prior to travel is required, a fit-to-fly certificate will be needed. This is a certificate that outlines your details, when the testing was done and the results. It should also include details of the testing provider and the accuracy of the test.

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If all of this seems daunting and confusing, and you are travelling on a package holiday, ask your tour operator to help; these days most have specialist staff on their team.

Are NHS Covid tests accepted for travel?

You cannot use any NHS-provided Covid tests for travel; Covid tests for travel must be administered by private providers who meet the relevant standards, and who will issue a fit-to-fly certificate. Double-check the rules for the destination you’re travelling to — some may have set out specific testing requirements or have a list of providers they will accept.

However, you may still need your NHS proof of vaccine status, either printed out or downloaded via the NHS app.

How do I book a PCR test for travel?

The easiest way to book is to visit the website of the testing provider you’re going with and choose the date and time that works best for you. Some may also have phone numbers that you can call, or allow walk-ins.

You’ll need to work backwards from your departure time to find when the test needs to be administered — double-check that your test provider is able to get your test results back in time. Most are now able to return results within 24 hours.

Where can I get a PCR test for travel?

Private providers come in two main types: those who offer an in-person swab test (quicker but more expensive), and those who send out test kits for the user to self-administer (more affordable but potentially slower). Check which your destination will accept.

Examples of the former are Boots and Express Test, which use pharmacies as test centres; Randox supply tests that can be done at home.

How much is a PCR test for travel?

The cost of PCR tests has dropped significantly since the early days of the pandemic, with prices now starting from around £40. However, if you need a last-minute test, or if your test is done in person, it will usually cost more. Prices can also vary depending on the location of your test centre, even if the testing provider is the same.

How do I get an emergency PCR test for travel?

Lots of testing centres offer same-day results, but you’ll usually need to book ahead. If you need a last-minute test, your best bet is to check availability at airport testing centres or call your nearest providers.

How do I know if the PCR test is government-approved?

Although the UK government had a list of approved providers during the height of the pandemic, this no longer exists. So the best thing to do is to check the requirements for your destination.

Any pitfalls I need to be aware of with testing?

The single biggest pitfall is timing: either arranging your pre-departure test too late — or too early. Allow plenty of time; different destinations set different validity times on testing, with most at 48 or 72 hours. But that countdown starts from the moment of being swabbed, not from the receipt of the lab result. Moreover, some destinations require the tests to be valid right up to the traveller’s arrival in the country, and not just to the time when you board the plane, which may mean testing during a stopover.

As for the home-test system, there are two key flaws. First, it depends on a reliable postal service to deliver the sample to the lab, which can be tricky if you’re depending on it to get on a flight. Second, there’s no guarantee that the sample comes from the actual traveller, which is why some countries insist on in-person testing.

Will I get tested on arrival in a country?

Given most countries have now dropped their Covid-related travel restrictions, this is now highly unlikely. If you’re visiting a particularly remote part of the world, or you may come into contact with particularly isolated groups of people, you may need to test before travel.

Additional reporting by Qin Xie

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Learn how Quest can help you.

Have you been diagnosed as positive for COVID-19 with a swab test in the past 10 days?

Do you have a fever of 99.5°F or greater?

Have you had any COVID-19 symptoms (such as fever, cough, shortness of breath) in the last 3 days?

Have you been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days?

Check your antibody status.

Based on your answers, a COVID-19 antibody test may be right for you.

With this blood test, Quest can detect antibodies that show if you had a prior infection and may possibly have a lower risk of reinfection—even if you never felt sick. Understanding your antibody status gives you and your doctor or healthcare provider added insight to make informed decisions about returning to work or activity.

Next steps: There are two ways to get antibody testing. Decide which option is easiest for you.

• Option 1: Purchase the test for yourself through QuestDirect without visiting your doctor or healthcare provider. Then make an appointment at your closest Quest location. (Walk-ins not available. Face masks are required.) The cost cannot be submitted to health insurance with this option. PURCHASE TEST
• Option 2: Ask your doctor or healthcare provider for a COVID-19 antibody test order, then make an appointment at your nearby Quest location. (Walk-ins not available. Face masks are required.) The doctor or healthcare provider’s order is required for this option, and the cost can be submitted to your health insurance. SCHEDULE TEST

READ ON FOR TEST DETAILS

Check for current COVID-19 infection.

Based on your answers, you may have experienced symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 10 days and an active infection test may be right for you.

Next steps: There are three ways to get active infection testing.

• Option 1: Purchase the test for yourself through QuestDirect™. If you order with QuestDirect, you can have an at-home collection kit delivered to you, or make an appointment at a drive-thru collection site. PURCHASE TEST WITH QUESTDIRECT
• Option 2: Contact your doctor or another authorized healthcare provider to discuss where in your community to get tested for an active infection. (Do not go to a Quest patient service center for this test.) LEARN MORE ABOUT COVID-19 TESTIN
• Option 3: Find a testing location in your community. Quest’s national partnerships with Walmart and CVS Health provide drive-thru COVID-19 self-swab tests at select locations across the country. Or find local testing options through Google. (Do not go to a Quest patient service center for this test.) FIND A WALMART FIND A CVS HEALTH FIND OTHER TEST SITES
• Need an order from your doctor or healthcare provider
• Also available to purchase yourself through QuestDirect without a doctor or healthcare provider visit
• Can get tested at a Quest location by appointment (if symptom-free for 10 days)
• For patients who have not experienced COVID-19 symptoms or have been symptom-free for 10 days
• Antibodies begin to become detectable 7 to 14 days after COVID-19 symptoms appear
• Get results through MyQuest
• You may purchase a test for yourself through QuestDirect™, without a doctor or healthcare provider visit (this option is available by ordering an at-home collection kit or by making an appointment at a drive-thru collection site)
• Or contact your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on where in your community to get tested for an active infection (We do not collect samples in Quest patient service center locations)
• You may also find a testing location through our national partners Walmart and CVS Health , or local testing options through Google .
• Test samples are sent to Quest laboratories for processing
• Nasal or throat swab test
• For patients who currently feel sick with COVID-19 symptoms or were exposed in the last 14 days

• Encouraging those you were in contact with to talk to their doctor about getting tested
• Minimizing the need to be monitored and retested for COVID-19 infection\
• Donating plasma for those who are seriously ill from COVID-19
• This test has not been reviewed by the FDA. 
• Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in those who have been in contact with the virus. Follow-up testing with a molecular diagnostic should be considered to rule out infection in these individuals. 
• Results from antibody testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection or to inform infection status. 
• Positive results may be due to past or present infection with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, such as coronavirus HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E. 

COVID-19 immune response appointments

Do you have a doctor's order or did you purchase your test through QuestDirect?

NO — Ask your doctor for an order or purchase from QuestDirect .

REMINDER: Face masks or coverings are required in all Quest locations.

• You have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2, or
• You have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, but your antibodies have not reached a sufficient level for the test to be able to detect them, or
• You have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, but there has not been enough time for antibodies to develop (it can take up to 1 to 3 weeks to develop antibodies after someone is infected, sometimes longer).
• You have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 at some point in the past, or
• Uncommonly, you may have developed antibodies from an earlier infection with a different virus related to SARS-CoV-2 and the laboratory test cannot distinguish between these other virus antibodies and those antibodies generated in response to SARS-CoV-2.
• The antibody tests and the molecular tests (together “All tests”) have not been FDA cleared or approved;
• All tests have been authorized by FDA under EUAs for use by authorized laboratories;
• The antibody tests have been authorized only for the detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens;
• The molecular tests have been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses, pathogens; and,
• All tests are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.