COVID-19 Testing

Source: CDC

The following people should get tested for COVID-19:

• People with COVID-19 symptoms.
• People WITHOUT symptoms of COVID-19 but who:
• Have come into close contact with someone with COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. The COVID-19 test should be done at least 5 days after the close contact occurred. The date of the last close contact is considered day 0. Day 1 is the first full day after your last contact with a person who has had COVID-19.
• Are not fully vaccinated for COVID-19 vaccine and are prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19.
• People regardless of their vaccination status who have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, local or territorial health department.
• More information.

Source: CDC

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months and recovered, as long as they do not develop new symptoms, do not need to get tested.

Source: Harvard Health

PCR tests detect the presence of the virus's genetic material using a technique called reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, or RT-PCR. For this test, a sample may be collected through a nasal or throat swab, or a saliva sample may be used. The sample is typically sent to a laboratory where coronavirus RNA (if present) is extracted from the sample and converted into DNA. The DNA is then amplified, meaning that many copies of the viral DNA are made, in order to produce a measurable result. The accuracy of any diagnostic test depends on many factors, including whether the sample was collected properly, when during the course of illness, the testing was done, and whether the sample was maintained in appropriate conditions while it was shipped to the laboratory. Generally, PCR tests are highly accurate.

Antigen tests detect specific proteins on the surface of the coronavirus. They are sometimes referred to as rapid diagnostic tests because it can take less than an hour to get test results. Positive antigen test results are highly specific, meaning that if you test positive you are very likely infected. However, there is a higher chance of false negatives with antigen tests, which means that a negative result cannot definitively rule out an active infection. If you have a negative result on an antigen test, your doctor may order a PCR test or a second rapid antigen test to confirm the result.

It may be helpful to think of a COVID antigen test as you would think of a rapid strep test or a rapid flu test. A positive result for any of these tests is likely to be accurate, and allows diagnosis and treatment to begin quickly, while a negative result often results in further testing to confirm or overturn the initial result.

Learn more

Source: Providence

Antigen test results may come back in as little as 15 to 45 minutes. PCR test results take between 24 and 48 hours.

However, due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, there is a high demand for COVID-19 diagnostic testing, causing delays in test results. Rapid antigen test results may take hours and PCR results may take several days.

Source: Providence

You may receive test results from MyChart, QR codes, or through Labcorp.

If you are a Providence patient, MyChart is the fastest way to receive your results.

If you received a QR code, you may view your results in the patient portal provided. If you have an online account provided by the testing service, you may access your COVID-19 testing results online. Check with your testing service provider for details.

Getting test results

Source: CDC

If you are sick or test positive for COVID-19, isolate yourself even if you don’t have symptoms

If you are confirmed to have COVID-19, even if you don’t have symptoms, or are showing symptoms of COVID-19, you need to isolate regardless of your vaccination status. This includes if you have:

• A positive viral test for COVID-19, regardless of whether or not you have symptoms.
• Symptoms of COVID-19, including if you are awaiting test results or have not been tested. If you have symptoms, isolate yourself even if you do not know if you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19.

Isolation is used to separate people with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 from those without COVID-19. People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others. At home, anyone sick or infected should separate from others and wear a well-fitting mask when they need to be around others. People in isolation should stay in a specific “sick room” or area and use a separate bathroom if available. Everyone who has presumed or confirmed COVID-19 should stay home and isolate from other people for at least 5 full days (day 0 is the first day of symptoms or the date of the day of the positive viral test for asymptomatic persons). After completing isolation, they should wear a mask when around others at home and in public for an additional 5 days.

Reference: CDC
Source: Providence

Visit your state, tribal, local, or territorial health department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.

If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat or generally feeling weak:

• Visit a Providence testing location
• Start ExpressCare Virtual or Telehealth visits to discuss your COVID-19 testing options

If you are symptom-free and unexposed and need a PCR test to meet requirements for pre-flight check-in, event entrance, or school and workplace screen, visit a participating Labcorp patient service centers.

Self-testing kits (also referred to as at-home tests or over-the-counter (OTC) tests) may be available at local pharmacies. Please contact your local pharmacies to see if OTC tests are available where you live. OTC test kits should be used if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and you think you may have been exposed. If you don't have symptoms, you may receive a false result. If positive, you should seek a confirmatory PCR test from an authorized lab.

Source: Providence

The cost for a COVID-19 test can vary depending on several factors, including the type of test, where the test is provided and processed, and an individual’s insurance provider and coverage. For those who are insured, it’s recommended patients contact their insurance provider to understand coverage and if there are any out-of-pocket costs for testing. Some insurers are covering both in-facility and at-home test kits. Additionally, many health centers and local- and state-supported test sites are providing free and/or discounted testing options for those who are eligible. At-home testing kits are also available for purchase online and in many retail pharmacies.

Labcorp prices for COVID-19 testing

Select Labcorp patient service centers offer COVID-19 PCR testing for individuals who are symptom-free and who have not been exposed to COVID-19. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, please consult your physician or other healthcare provider.

The list price for COVID-19 PCR testing performed by Labcorp is $100, and the list price for COVID-19 antibody testing is $42.13.

If a PCR Test Home Collection Kit is requested from Pixel by Labcorp, consumers can choose not to take advantage of public and private payer options, and if they do, will pay $119.

Source: CDC

Stay home and away from other people for at least 5 days. The date of your exposure is considered day 0. Day 1 is the first full day after your last contact with a person who has had COVID-19. Learn why CDC updated guidance for the general public.

Source: Providence
Reference: CDC

If you need official copies of vaccination records, or if you need to update your personal records, there are several places you can look:

• Check with your doctor or public health clinic. Keep in mind that vaccination records are maintained at doctor’s office for a limited number of years.
• Contact your state’s health department. Some states have registries (Immunization Information Systems) that include adult vaccines.

California and Washington also have digital COVID-19 vaccine record portals. Just enter a few details to get a link to a QR code and digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccination record.

• State of California – Digital COVID-19 Verification Record
• State of Washington – Digital COVID-19 Verification Record

You can also contact your vaccination provider directly to access your vaccination record.

If you have made every effort to locate your vaccination information, are unable to get a copy or replacement of your vaccination card, and need another COVID-19 vaccine dose, talk to a vaccination provider.

Source: CDC

Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to most variants. 

Please refer to the above section to see which testing option is best for you. Testing options are different depending on if you have or do not have symptoms.