FAQ

Tempus’ COVID-19 tests are either validated in accordance with FDA policies or have received an EUA authorization from FDA.*

*The EUA authorized test:has not been FDA cleared or approved; has been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by the authorized laboratories; has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and 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.

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

For patients with health insurance, Tempus bills insurers $120 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 please visit these FDA fact sheets for healthcare providers: FDA Fact sheet for Tempus iC SARS-CoV-2 Test and FDA fact sheet for Molecular Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) COVID-19 Authorized Tests. 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.