The COVID-19 RT-qPCR test is a reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay for the qualitative detection of RNA from the SARS-CoV-2 virus (causative agent of COVID-19) in upper and lower respiratory tract specimens (e.g. nasopharyngeal swab, oropharyngeal swab, sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage collections).
TURNAROUND TIME
24-48 hours from the time the specimen is received in our laboratory.This expected turnaround time may vary as demand changes over time.
TEST INTERPRETATION
If you have a positive test result, it is very likely that you have COVID-19. Therefore, it is also likely that you may be placed in isolation to avoid spreading the virus to others. Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine how best to care for you based on the test results along with medical history and your symptoms.
A negative test result means that the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found in your sample. For COVID-19, a negative test result for a sample collected while a person has symptoms usually means that COVID-19 did not cause your recent illness.
However, it is possible for this test to give a negative result that is incorrect (false negative) in some people with COVID-19. This means that you could possibly still have COVID-19 even though the test is negative. If this is the case, your healthcare provider will consider the test result together with all other aspects of your medical history (such as symptoms, possible exposures, and geographical location of places you have recently traveled) in deciding how to care for you.
It is important that you work with your healthcare provider to help you understand the next steps you should take.
COST
We offer customized programs based on different testing needs between organizations, agencies, and employers. The retail price for our COVID diagnostic test is $100.
Most insurers have waived patient responsibility and copays for COVID-19 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.
KIT DISTRIBUTION
Test kits are delivered directly to your office or institution.
RESULT DELIVERY
Results are returned via email.
The test has not been FDA cleared or approved; The test has been authorized by the FDA under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories; The test has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and The test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostic tests for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. ยง 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner. There is a very small chance that this test can give a positive result that is wrong (a false positive result).