The COVID-19 RT-PCR test is a molecular diagnostic test that identifies if you currently carry or are infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
This test helps identify if you have been exposed to the virus and currently carry the virus. Symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness. One can be infected from respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Other ways that one can be infected is by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.
Individuals can have COVID-19 testing fully paid by their health plan or the government, with no out of pocket cost, when billed to the health plan or the government. If you are looking for that No-Cost option, contact your healthcare provider.
You may be able to submit the expenses associated with this testing to your Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, Health Reimbursement Account, or similar account for reimbursement. Please check with your health account administrator.
Learn More
WHAT IS AN RT-PCR TEST?
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing is a method to analyze short sequences of genetic material. The PCR method is widely used to rapidly make millions to billions of copies of specific DNA sample, which are then marked for identification. When a virus has RNA (such as the COVID-19 virus), a Reverse Transcriptase (RT) is used to create the DNA from the RNA, so that the PCR can identify the genetic material. RT-PCR is now a common and indispensable technique used in medical laboratories across the United States.
WHY DO I NEED THIS TEST?
If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have had COVID like symptoms recently. This test is also conducted as a part of many return-to-work protocols or as a requirement for travel (domestic and international), as per the destination’s requirements.
WHAT TYPE OF SPECIMEN WILL BE COLLECTED FOR THIS TEST?
This test requires either a nasal or nasopharyngeal specimen collection.
Am I required to fast?
No, fasting is not required. There are no dietary or medicinal restrictions to take this test.
IS A DOCTOR’S ORDER REQUIRED?
Any Lab Test Now’s ordering physician will provide the required physician’s order on your behalf.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY LAB TEST RESULTS?
Results from the COVID-19 PCR swab test will be available much more quickly in comparison with many other tests. Next day or in some cases same day results are available, depending on your testing location’s turnaround time for the results. Contact your testing location for more information regarding when the results will be available.
IS THIS TEST APPROVED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)?
No, but it has been granted FDA EUA authorization. During a public health emergency, the FDA can use its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to provide more timely access to critical medical products that may help during the emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available options. According to the FDA “more flexibility was needed during a pandemic of this scale and speed, and incorporating feedback from the medical community, states and test developers, we have also provided regulatory flexibility for serological tests in an effort to provide laboratories and health care providers with early access to these tests with the understanding that the FDA had not reviewed or authorized (or “approved”) them, at least not initially, and these tests should not be used for diagnosing or excluding active SARS-CoV-2 infection. Specifically, last month, as part of our broader strategy, the FDA issued a policy explaining that FDA does not intend to object when developers of serological tests market or use their tests without prior FDA review where: 1) the tests are validated by the developer to determine that they are accurate and reliable, 2) notification of the developer’s validation is provided to FDA, and 3) the tests are labeled appropriately, including that they are not to be used as a sole basis for diagnosis. The test you receive follows the above referenced FDA guidelines.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I HAVE A POSITIVE TEST RESULT?
If you have a positive result for this test, it does indicate that the RNA from the SARS-CoV-2 was detected and that you are infected with the virus and presumed to be contagious.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I HAVE A NEGATIVE TEST RESULT?
If you have a negative result, it means that the SAR-CoV-2 genetic material was not detected in the specimen and it is most likely you are not infected at the time of test. It is still possible that the amount of virus was too low to detect with this initial test, or that you can still become infected later. A negative result should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or other medical management decisions and should be combined with clinical observation and patient history in some cases.
IF I AM INFECTED BUT DON’T HAVE SYMPTOMS, CAN I STILL SPREAD THE VIRUS?
Yes, some people who have been infected with the SAR-CoV-2 might not display any symptoms (referred to as asymptomatic); however, they can still be contagious and spread the virus to other people.
WHAT IF I WANT TO DISCUSS THE RESULTS WITH A PHYSICIAN?
You can share your results with your healthcare provider or contact our telemedicine partner, DialCare, and they will assist you in interpreting the results. Any Lab Test Now does not diagnose or interpret results.
WHAT IF I WANT TO GET A FREE TEST?
Free options for testing are available. The COVID-19 PCR Test may be covered by your insurance plan or the government, with no out-of-pocket costs to you. . If you are interested in this option, please contact your healthcare provider. Any Lab Test Now provides transparent pricing and an option for consumers who want fast and convenient access to laboratory testing. Please note that you can use your HSA or FSA for the cost of the test.
