What you need to know
Know what you're getting before you buy
COVID-19 PCR tests look to see if you have genetic material of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in your system, typically by detecting viral RNA specific to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that is present in your nasal cavity.
Is it worth it?
If you understand the limitations of our current testing capabilities and understand what do to with a positive OR negative test result, it's certainly worth it.
Can you trust the results?
All of the tests we list here are CLIA and/or CAP certified, which are the strictest level of regulation for laboratory tests. Yes, you can trust the results of the tests we list, but you do need to realize a small chance for a false positive result. If the test you ordered has not been reviewed by the FDA, you should NOT trust the results.
set proper expectations
Once you've received your results, you should know what to do if your result is positive (see our FAQs below).
Choose the right test for you
COVID-19 PCR Tests come from a list of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vendors under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), at different prices, with different sample collection methods. We do the research for you and help you find the right test for your budget.
Price
Click button below to order
Vendor
how do I take the test?
What's included in the test?
Everlywell
Self-collected nasal swab from a kit delivered by mail to your home.
This is a reverse transcriptase (rt) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, performed to detect viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) from SARS-CoV-2 virus. It includes: Results 1-3 days after shipping, Free telehealth consultation with a physician, reimbursement for the test from your health insurance provider.
LetsGetChecked
Self-collected nasal swab from a kit delivered by mail to your home.
This is a reverse transcriptase (rt) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, performed to detect viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) from SARS-CoV-2 virus. It includes: Online results 24-48 hours after receipt of sample, Official lab report after test result.
Pixel by LabCorp
Self-collected nasal swab from a kit delivered by mail to your home.
This is a reverse transcriptase (rt) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, performed to detect viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) from SARS-CoV-2 virus. It includes: Online results 4-6 days after receipt of sample.
myLAB Box
Simple saliva collection from a kit delivered by mail to your home.
This is a reverse transcriptase (rt) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, performed to detect viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) from SARS-CoV-2 virus. It includes: Online results within 24 hours of receipt from lab, free physician consultation.
Frequently asked questions
A laboratory test that measures the presence of viral genetic material (ribonucleic acid or RNA), to determine if you have an active infection of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).
- What a COVID-19 PCR Test CANNOT tell me:
- This test CANNOT tell you how long you’ve been infected with the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
- What a COVID-19 PCR Test CAN tell me:
- This test CAN tell you that you have an active infection with the novel coronavirus, and that you should follow the necessary steps to quarantine yourself.
If your test comes back positive, you should do your best to self quarantine for at least 14 days.
If your test comes back negative, but you are still showing symptoms, there’s a chance that you may be sick with something else. You should contact your healthcare provider if this is the case.
A false positive in this case is when you get tested for COVID-19, your test comes back positive, but you DO NOT have an active COVID-19 infection. This is very rare, as PCR tests are very sensitive.
A false negative in this case is when you get tested for COVID-19, your test comes back negative, but you actually have an active COVID-19 infection. This can happen if you DO NOT follow the sample collection instructions carefully.
Have more questions about COVID-19 testing? Contact Us or Schedule a Consultation
