COVID-19 TRAVEL TESTING

Are there free options for travel testing?

Most "free" options for testing will ask you to provide your insurance information. It is important to note that  most insurances do not cover testing done for travel. Also note that if you require a form or reportable results to upload, you will need testing done by a healthcare provider or a certified lab.  

What does your clinic charge for COVID PCR and COVID antigen testing?

Currently we charge $65 for a COVID Antigen test that takes around 15 minutes.

We charge $185 for our rapid COVID PCR test which results in 30 minutes. If you prefer a local lab sendout and to save a little cash, we currently charge $140 and work with Diagnostic Labs to get your results to you in under 24 hours. 

Whats the difference between COVID PCR and COVID antigen testing?

PCR test. Also called a molecular test, this COVID-19 test detects genetic material of the virus using a lab technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A sample is collected by inserting a swab deep into your nostril at the back of the nose (nasopharyngeal swab) in the upper, more anterior part of your nose (mid-turbinate swab), or in some cases, swabbing the back of your throat (oropharyngeal swab). In some tests, you may be asked to produce a saliva sample. Results may be available in minutes if analyzed onsite or a few days if sent to an outside lab. PCR tests are very accurate when properly performed by a healthcare professional, but the rapid test can miss some cases.

Antigen test. This COVID-19 test detects certain proteins in the virus and tells you that you are shedding active virus and are infectious now. Using a long nasal swab to get a fluid sample, some antigen tests can produce results in minutes.  A positive antigen test result is considered accurate when instructions are carefully followed, but there's an increased chance of false-negative results — meaning it's possible to be infected with the virus but have a negative result. Depending on the situation, the doctor may recommend a PCR test to confirm a negative antigen test result.

What do my results mean?

Your COVID-19 diagnostic test result could be positive or negative.

Positive result. Sometimes this will read as “detected” on your results. This means you currently have an active infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. Take appropriate steps to care for yourself and avoid spreading the virus to others. You'll need to self-isolate until: Your symptoms are improving, and it's been 24 hours since you've had a fever, and at least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
If you have severe symptoms of COVID-19 or a health condition that lowers your ability to fight disease, your doctor may recommend that you stay in isolation longer. If you have a positive result but never developed symptoms, isolate for 10 days after the test.

Negative result. Sometimes this will be written as “not detected” on your results. This means that you likely are not infected with the COVID-19 virus. But a false-negative test result could happen depending on the timing and quality of the test sample. Even if you test negative, you could become infected in the future, so it's important to follow guidelines for social distancing, face mask use and hand-washing to avoid potential spread. Your doctor may recommend repeat testing if you continue to have symptoms.