Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Information For Patients - Labcorp

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COVID-19 Testing Information and Resources

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Your Guide to COVID-19 Tests

I want to know if I currently have COVID-19 if I'm still actively infected if I previously had COVID-19 about all COVID-19 tests

PCR TEST

This nasal swab test is highly effective at detecting any stage of the COVID-19 virus.

Who

Anyone who shows symptoms or meets CDC* testing criteria or needs to get tested for peace of mind, travel, or school/work screenings.

*Center for Disease Control and Prevention

How

This test is performed with a nasal swab.

Where

• at home using Pixel by Labcorp*
• at a hospital
• at a healthcare provider’s office
• at a healthcare provider-designated site (drive-thru or pharmacy)
• at a Labcorp patient service center**

*Must be 18+

**For those without symptoms and who have not been exposed to COVID-19

Results

Results take 1-2 days**

**from the date of specimen pick up

PCR Testing Options

ANTIGEN TEST

This nasal swab test determines whether you’re still infected with COVID-19 and if you can spread the virus.

Who

Anyone who recently had symptoms or asymptomatic COVID-19 and is concerned about spreading the virus should be tested.

How

This test is performed with a nasal swab.

Where

• at a hospital
• at a healthcare provider’s office
• at a healthcare provider-designated site (drive-thru or pharmacy)

Results

Results take 1-2 days**

**from the date of specimen pick up

ANTIBODY TEST

This blood test is best performed at least 2 weeks after the COVID-19 infection ends.

Who

Anyone who wants to know if they have antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 or want to donate plasma for COVID-19 research.

How

A healthcare professional will draw your blood and send it to the lab for screening.

Where

• at a Labcorp Patient Service Center
• at a hospital
• at your doctor’s office

Results

Results take 2-3 days**

**from the date of specimen pick up

Antibody Testing Options

PCR TEST Antigen Test Antibody Test

PCR TEST Detects current viral infection	Antigen Test Detects proteins that produce a viral infection	Antibody Test Detects prior viral infection
Who	Anyone who shows symptoms or meets CDC* testing criteria should be tested. *Center for Disease Control and Prevention	Anyone who shows symptoms and is concerned about spreading the virus should be tested.	Anyone who wants to know if they have antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 or want to donate plasma for COVID-19 research.
How	Nasal swab test	Nasal swab test	Blood draw
Where	at home using Pixel by Labcorp* at a hospital at a healthcare provider’s office at a healthcare provider-designated site (drive-thru or pharmacy) *Must be 18+	at a Labcorp Patient Service Center at a hospital at a healthcare provider’s office at a healthcare provider-designated site (drive-thru or pharmacy	at a Labcorp Patient Service Center at a hospital at your doctor’s office
Results	Results take 1 - 2 days** **from the date of specimen pick up	Results take 1 - 2 days** **from the date of specimen pick up	Results take 2 - 3 days** **from the date of specimen pick up
The Science	PCR tests use polymerase chain reaction technology to detect the genetic components of an active COVID-19 virus.	This test is also known as a chemiluminescent immunoassay test. It determines whether a person with COVID-19 is still infectious by measuring how much of the virus is present.	Also known as serology testing, this test scans the blood for antibodies that the body develops after exposure to COVID-19.
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How to Get Your COVID-19 Results

How to Get Your COVID-19 Results

Results will be available in your Labcorp Patient™ account, your Labcorp OnDemand account or will come directly from your healthcare provider.

Learn More

Discover the Latest Treatment Options

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, there are many ways to treat an active COVID-19 infection. You can also get involved in our clinical trials as we work to bring new solutions to more people.

Learn More

What we’re doing to continue the fight against COVID-19.

Visit our COVID-19 news and education center for the latest science, research, and testing information from Labcorp.

COVID-19 News & Education

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