FAQ

Tempus provides qPCR tests for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (the viral agent that causes COVID-19). These tests have been validated, and FDA’s reviews are ongoing.

Our tests are simple nasal swab tests, although nasopharyngeal sample collection is available as well.

For patients with health insurance, Tempus bills insurers $100 for the test. Most insurers have waived patient responsibility and copays for COVID-19 diagnostic testing. For those without insurance, testing is available and covered as part of the U.S. COVID-19 Uninsured Program.  More information on this program can be found here.

Thank you for your interest. Please send a brief description of your needs to covidsupport@tempus.com, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

At this time, Tempus performs COVID-19 testing only when ordered by a healthcare provider. We are currently unable to provide tests directly to patients.

It has been 0-6 days since the test was performed. We deliver most results within 2-4 days after the sample has been received in the lab. However, sometimes a delay can occur.

It has been 7+ days since the test was performed. We apologize for the delay, and are working on your test as quickly as possible. You can reach out for an update about your order at covidsupport@tempus.com.

The Tempus COVID-19 qPCR test has five possible results: Detected, Not Detected, Inconclusive, Invalid, or Rejected. Summary information about each test result is available in the sample reports available under the resources tab.
For additional information about known and potential risks and benefits of COVID-19 tests, please visit this FDA fact sheet for healthcare providers: https://www.fda.gov/media/136599/download. More guidance and information is available on the CDC’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/nCoV.

Tempus understands the urgency and importance of every test. We are processing every test as quickly as possible. At this time, we are following federal and state testing recommendations for prioritization and cannot prioritize based on individual requests.

Please provide details about the required correction to covidsupport@tempus.com

For all other questions, please send email to covidsupport@tempus.com, and we will respond as soon as we can.