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Purchase the right COVID-19 test option for you

Active infection test

To check if you have COVID-19

Buy now

Rapid antigen test

To check if you have COVID-19

Buy now

Antibody test

To detect a prior COVID-19 infection

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COVID-19 and flu test

To rule in or rule out either infection

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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.

 

Compare COVID-19 symptoms with flu, RSV, cold, long COVID, and allergies

It’s not just COVID-19, flu, and RSV causing confusion. Long COVID and many allergies can also lead to similar symptoms. Take a look to find out how your symptoms line up.

 

General symptomsCOVID-191Flu2RSV3 (sinus infection)Cold4Long COVID5Allergies6
Fever, chills

X

XX X 
Cough

X

XXXX 
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing  X X 
Wheezing  X   
Sore throatXX XX 
Runny nose, congestionX XX X
Sneezing  XX X
Red, watery, itchy eyes     X
FatigueXX XX 
Muscle or body achesXX  X 
HeadacheXX XX 
Loss of taste or smellXX  X 
Nausea, vomitingXX  X 
DiarrheaXX  X 
Brain fog    X 
Chest pain, heart palpitations    X 
Trouble sleeping    X 
Lightheadedness, dizziness    X 
Feeling of pins-and-needles    X 
Depression, anxiety    X 

 

Compare COVID-19 test options

Quest offers a variety of tests that can help you determine if you have COVID-19 or another respiratory illness. Review the details for each option to choose the test that best matches your situation.

 

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

Why choose this test?

  • To see if you currently have a COVID-19 infection, usually because you are experiencing symptoms or suspect you were exposed to the virus
  • To meet testing requirements for activities like school, work, or travel (Note: schedule your test appointment with as much lead time as your activity allows)

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. 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 $0 out-of-pocket testing at select Quest locations.

Overview: Checks if someone is currently infected by looking for viral proteins and delivers rapid results in just 15 to 30 minutesa

Why choose this test?

  • To see if you currently have a COVID-19 infection, usually because you are experiencing symptoms or suspect you were exposed to the virus
  • To meet testing requirements for activities like school, work, or travel

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

Turnaround time for results: Typically 15-30 minutes

Test method: Nasal swab

How to get tested:

  • A COVID-19 at-home rapid antigen test (2-pack) is available for purchase online.
  • If you are uninsured, see if you qualify for $0 out-of-pocket testing options at select Quest locations.

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.

Why choose this test? To determine if you have COVID-19 or the flu

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

Turnaround time for results: Typically 1-2 days

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, then make an in-person appointment at a Quest near you.
  • If you are uninsured, see if you qualify for $0 out-of-pocket testing options at select Quest locations.

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.

Why choose this test? To determine if you have COVID-19, the flu, or RSV

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

Turnaround time for results: Typically 1-2 days

Test method: Nasal swab

How to get tested:

  • 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.

Overview: Checks for spike protein antibodies to detect a prior or recent infection, regardless of whether symptoms were presentb

Why choose this test?

  • To see if you currently have COVID-19 antibodies
  • To track antibody levels over time
  • Note: Antibody testing is not for determining a current infection

Accuracy: Not applicable

Turnaround time for results: Typically 1-2 days

Test method: Blood test

How to get tested:

  • Start by either purchasing a test online, 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.

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.
View post-COVID test panels

Getting COVID-19 test results

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.

Open MyQuest

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.

Check your eligibility

Frequently asked questions about COVID-19, flu, and RSV testing at Quest

About COVID-19 symptoms

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. Both active infection and rapid antigen testing is available to help you and your doctor determine if you have COVID-19. You can make an appointment to be tested at a Quest location or purchase an at-home collection kit.

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

Quest COVID-19, flu, and RSV testing options

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

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 $0 out-of-pocket 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. See if you’re eligible to schedule an appointment for $0 out-of-pocket testing. Limited availability. 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.

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

Yes, several types of COVID-19 tests can be purchased online through the Quest Health online store, including:

The cost of tests through Quest's online store cannot be submitted to health insurance.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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 are typically ready by the end of the following day, while COVID and flu and COVID-19, flu, and RSV combination tests typically take 1-2 days.

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

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

 

References

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

 

Footnotes

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.

b 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.

 

COVID-19 testing statements

  • The antibody tests, molecular tests, and antigen 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 COVID-19 molecular tests have been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens;
  • The COVID-19 and Flu test has been authorized only for the simultaneous qualitative detection and differentiation of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus, and influenza B virus, and not for any other viruses or pathogens; and
  • COVID-19, Flu, and 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 tests have been authorized only for the detection of proteins from SARS-CoV-2, and not for any other viruses or 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.

 

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.

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.

Book now

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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. © 2026 Quest Diagnostics Incorporated. All rights reserved. Image content features models and is intended for illustrative purposes only.