Skip to main content
Quest Diagnostics Home

Rapid antigen test for COVID-19

Rapid antigen testing is a faster way to detect if you have a current COVID-19 infection. Results are typically ready in just 15 to 30 minutes.

How to get tested

A COVID-19 At-Home Rapid Antigen Test (2-Pack) is available for purchase.

 

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

 

Who can get tested

Rapid antigen testing may be helpful if you do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and would like quick results to meet a testing requirement for an event or travel.

 

Common COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

How the test works

A sample is collected through a nasal or throat swab and mixed with a solution. The solution is then placed onto an indicator device that may detect the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19. 

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.

 

Note: Quest purchasers will receive results via test card, email and/or the NAVICA™ app.

Accuracya

Good

Results turnaround

Typically 15-30 minutes from sample collection

Test method

Nasal swab

Moving forward faster

Rapid antigen testing may be helpful for those who want quick results to meet a testing requirement for an event or travel. For example, this test can be used if you plan to visit a location or establishment that requires testing prior to arrival. Testing requirements vary by location and may change over time.

Other COVID-19 test options

Active infection
Antibody
COVID-19 + flu

a 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.

 

COVID-19 testing statements

  • The COVID-19 antigen 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 proteins from SARS-CoV-2, and 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 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic 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.

Shop for 50+ lab tests at questhealth.com

Easy to buy and simple to schedule, with fast and confidential results sent directly to you.

Shop now

Infectious disease

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.

Hey there! I'm Quest Chat, let's talk