COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that is transmitted from person to person. 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.
The COVID-19 antigen test is designed to detect specific proteins on the virus. The test is a qualitative nasal or nasopharyngeal swab test that will show if you have the live active virus for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The current authorized devices are able to return results in approximately 15 minutes.
Any Lab Test Now does not accept insurance. Click the “Test Details” below to learn about other possible payment options.
Confused about which test you need? Watch this video to learn more about the different tests!
Test Details
The COVID-19 antigen test is a diagnostics test to identify if you have an active infection of the virus.
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.
FAQs
The antigen test detects for certain proteins on the COVID-19 virus, which implies current viral infection. The sample collection of either a nasal or nasopharyngeal swab with an antigen test can produce results in 15 minutes. Due to the speed of this test, the antigen test may be more practical to use for large numbers of people. Antigen testing has also been commonly used in the diagnosis of influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have had COVID like symptoms recently. This test is also conducted in order to return to work or school.
This test requires either a nasal or nasopharyngeal sample.
No, fasting is not required. There are no dietary or medicinal restrictions to take this test.
Any Lab Test Now’s ordering physician will provide the required physician’s order on your behalf.
Results from the COVID-19 antigen test are ready in approximately 15 minutes.
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.
If you have a positive result for this test, it does indicate that the protein from the SARS-CoV-2 was detected and that you are considered to be infected with the virus and presumed to be contagious.
If you have a negative result for this test, which means that the SAR-CoV-2 was not present in the specimen and it is likely you are not infected at the time of test. However, you can still become infected later.
There is a chance that the result might be a false-negative result, meaning that it is possible to be infected with the virus but still have a negative result. Depending on the situation a COVID-19 PCR test would be recommended to confirm a negative antigen test.
Yes, some people who have been infected with the SAR-CoV-2 might not display any symptoms (Asymptomatic). However, they can still be contagious and spread the virus to other people.
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.
Free options for testing are available. The COVID-19 antigen 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.
