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Active infection test for COVID-19

This type of test helps to diagnose whether you currently have an active SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection. A diagnosis can guide you and your doctor or healthcare provider to make an informed decision about self-isolating to protect your family and friends.

How to get tested

See if you’re eligible for $0 out-of-pocket testing. It’s available for ages 2+, regardless of symptoms. Make an appointment 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 scheduling at a Quest Patient Service Center.

 

You can also purchase a drive-up test or at-home kit through Quest.

Who can get tested

Active infection testing may be right for you if you are currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or were exposed to the virus in the last 14 days. Common COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

 

This test may also be right for you if you need COVID-19 testing to meet school, work, or travel requirements. Schedule an appointment with as much lead time as your activity allows.

How the test works: 2 ways

Your doctor or other healthcare provider will collect a sample through a nasal or throat swab.

 

You can also opt to collect a sample yourself with at-home options from questhealth.com. The sample is then sent to Quest laboratories for processing.

Getting test results through MyQuest®

Your Quest test results can be sent to you automatically through the secure MyQuest® online portal. This is usually the quickest way to get results.

 

Don’t have MyQuest? Sign up now to get your test results online.

Accuracy

Better

Results turnaround    

Typically by the end of the next day

Test method    

Nasal swab

High accuracy and reliability

Due to its high accuracy, active infection molecular testing (eg, PCR) usually does not need to be repeated.  

Other COVID-19 test options

Rapid antigen
Antibody
COVID-19 + flu

COVID-19 testing statements

  • The Quest Diagnostics molecular test and other authorized molecular tests (together the “molecular tests”) have not been FDA cleared or approved;
  • The molecular tests have been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories;
  • The molecular tests have been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARSCoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and,
  • The molecular 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.

 

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 on 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.



No-cost COVID-19 tests for uninsured individuals

If you are uninsured, see if you qualify for $0 out-of-pocket testing options at select Quest locations

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Infectious disease

Discuss with your doctor

Regardless of your test result, you should discuss your results with your doctor and continue to follow any safety precautions recommended by public health experts. This can help you and your community better manage the risks and benefits of resuming daily activities.

Our company

Quest® is the brand name used for services offered by Quest Diagnostics Incorporated and its affiliated companies. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated and certain affiliates are CLIA certified laboratories that provide HIPAA covered services.  Other affiliates operated under the Quest® brand, such as Quest Consumer Inc., do not provide HIPAA covered services. 

 

Quest, Quest Diagnostics, any associated logos, and all associated Quest Diagnostics registered or unregistered trademarks are the property of Quest Diagnostics. All third-party marks—® and ™—are the property of their respective owners. © 2023 Quest Diagnostics Incorporated. All rights reserved. Image content features models and is intended for illustrative purposes only.

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